Union County Hospital offers help with insurance enrollment

Union County Hospital in Anna again is helping area residents learn about and enroll in health insurance options on the Health Insurance Marketplace. 

Open enrollment for health insurance coverage began on Nov. 1 and continues through Dec. 15. 

“As a primary health provider in Union County, our goal is to help educate residents in an easy-to-understand way, as well as assist those who haven’t  yet signed up for health insurance or Medicaid, if qualified,” said Jim Farris, CEO of Union County Hospital. 

“During the next few months, we’ll be out in the community and meeting one-on-one to help these individuals find affordable coverage.”

The Health Insurance Marketplace provides U.S. citizens access to affordable health insurance coverage. 

Depending on household income, some individuals may qualify for government financial assistance, or subsidies, towards the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like co-pays or deductibles. 

All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and coverage cannot be denied for individuals with a pre-existing health condition. 

Some of the health benefits include free preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services and more. 

“This is where Union County Hospital can assist,” said Farris. 

“With many people not having access to a computer or having difficulty maneuvering on the government website, our application counselors can help individuals and their families evaluate the health plan options and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance. We’ll also help with re-enrollment.

A few of our outreach efforts will include: 

•Beginning in Nov. 1, consumers could make an appointment with our application coordinators who can help them find affordable health insurance on the Marketplace.

•The hospital will have informational panel cards throughout the facility, in its clinics and around the community that includes a phone number to call to set up an appointment.

•The hospital plans to host speaking engagements in the community to explain the insurance options, as well as how they can help with enrollment.

•Information will be inserted into self-pay and uninsured billing statements.

Though a major function of www.healthcare.gov is assessing whether individuals and families qualify for financial assistance to lower the cost of health insurance, Union County Hospital’s application counselors can perform the same analysis and help with enrollment and re-enrollment. 

Appointments to meet with an application counselor at the hospital can be made by calling 618-833-4511.

“Union County Hospital is committed to improving the health of the communities we serve by helping residents gain access to healthcare services,” said Farris.