Health Insurance Marketplace

Why do I need health insurance?

At CHI, we believe having health insurance is one step toward a healthier, happier life. Health insurance is a service you pay for – there to help you maintain good health through preventive care and there for the unpredictable times of life when your health, or the health of a loved one, takes a turn for the worse.

What if I can’t afford healthcare insurance?

Thankfully, health insurance is available to millions more people now because of the Affordable Care Act. In fact, most new enrollees qualify for financial assistance to help pay their monthly premiums. Some people even qualify for free care.

What is the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act is a comprehensive health care reform law enacted in March 2010, with a goal to make affordable health insurance able to more people, regardless of their budget, even if they are sick or have a prior health issue. In fact, it mandates everyone must enroll in health insurance, otherwise they will be required to pay a fine.

When do I need to sign up?

If you’re uninsured, or if you will be re-enrolling for new insurance coverage for 2018, you can begin shopping for an insurance plan that fits your needs and budget. In fact, new plans and new pricing are available. For coverage starting in 2018, open enrollment begins November 1, 2017 and ends on December 15, 2017.

How do I enroll?

There are many ways to enroll:

Online at healthcare.gov
Over the phone at 1-800-318-2596
In person at your local CHI facility. You can find another local organization to help on localhelp.healthcare.gov
By a paper application found online at marketplace.cms.gov

Spanish speakers can find assistance at cuidadodesalud.gov

Which plan should I choose?

On healthcare.gov you will be able to compare different levels of healthcare plans from a variety of approved insurance providers. Each will have different amounts of coverage and different monthly premiums. Only one simple application is required. In-person assistance is available to help you to compare plans and coverage options.

How much will health insurance actually cost?

The cost of health insurance depends on your age, gender, income and tobacco use. Below is a tool to help estimate the cost of your health insurance as well as the potential benefits:

*Health Insurance Market Calculator Goes Here*

Click here for the Spanish calculator.

On healthcare.gov you can estimate how much having health insurance will actually cost you on an annual basis as you select different products depending on how often you expect to see a doctor, get lab tests done, refill prescriptions, etc. Even if you only go to the doctor a few times a year, health insurance can be very economical.

CHI also offers financial counselors to answer any additional questions at 832.355.3081

What does my health insurance plan include?

All marketplace plans must cover the following list of preventive services without charging you additional fees – without a copay or coinsurance. Screenings are also available based on certain criteria and conditions, and all these services will be available through a provider in your designated health care network.

If you have a preferred provider, your choice of insurance plans will be important. Check to ensure your providers participate in your new plan.

Preventive Screenings For All Adults