At Southeast Georgia Health System, we understand that the cost to purchase
health insurance may seem unaffordable, and as a result, many go uninsured.
We believe that there are some reasonable cost alternatives available,
and as a courtesy, we would like to provide you with some basic information
regarding the opportunity that you have to purchase health insurance under
the Affordable Healthcare Act ("ACA" or "Obamacare").
The Open Enrollment period under ACA will begin November 15, 2014 and end
on February 15, 2015. This "Open Enrollment" period is the one
time during the year that you may apply for private health insurance coverage
for you and/or your family. In addition, based on your annual household
income and family size, you may qualify to receive an instant tax credit/subsidy
that could offset all or a portion of your monthly premium cost and reduce
your out-of-pocket costs. It is important to understand that the insurance
you purchase in this fashion is not a government insurance plan. Rather,
it is a governmental tax credit subsidy program available to help pay
the cost of
private medical insurance.
As a healthcare system, our mission is to provide safe, quality, accessible,
and cost-effective care to meet the health needs of the people and communities
it serves. Educating our community as to the resources available to them
is part of that mission.
There is no doubt that the new healthcare laws are complicated. We continue
to work with health plan "Navigators" who can educate those
who may qualify for the tax credit subsidy programs. Unfortunately, giving
specific rates or plan details is not something that a Navigator can do.
For that reason, we are expanding our partnership to include local insurance
agents and brokers who specialize in assisting families with information
regarding premium rates and program benefits, and are also able to help
with service issues that may arise during the enrollment process. Attached
is a list of agents and brokers who have advised us they are certified
to assist in this process. There is NO cost difference when receiving
help from an agent or broker, and the individual pricing that they will
quote is set by the insurance company, just as if you went direct to healthcare.gov
or sought to register for coverage at 1-800-318-2596.
For 2015, there are 9 health insurance companies offering ACA plans in
Georgia, each with different levels of deductibles, prescription benefits
and hospital and doctor networks. It is important that you choose a plan
that is best for you and your family. Once the plan is chosen, changes
cannot be made until the end of 2015 except in limited instances.
Southeast Georgia Health System does not endorse a specific plan or program
or any specific insurance agent or broker. But regardless of your decision
to learn more about your options either by contacting a local insurance
agent or broker, or dealing with the marketplace directly, we urge you
to please be sure your doctor of choice and Southeast Georgia Health System
are considered "in-network".
Thank you for your continued support of Southeast Georgia Health System.