Voice of Alaska: Avoid the frenzy – enroll for health coverage early

  • By Susan Johnson
  • Monday, October 19, 2015 9:01pm
  • Opinion

Many people find the frenzied pace of November and December a bit overwhelming. School concerts, parent-teacher conferences, holiday parties and events, shopping, work deadlines, inclement weather, family visits, travel, additional church and community activities, and other events can leave individuals and families stretched thin and exhausted. If you pick up a winter cold or the flu during this period, it’s even worse.

January isn’t much better, as winter has settled in, and everyone is back to work and school after the holidays. Inboxes are full, task lists are long, and the holiday glow has worn off. Additionally, you must enroll by December 15 for coverage in January.

There is one thing you can get a jump on, though. You can create an account now and enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov beginning November 1, 2015. Enrollment for Medicaid/Denali KidCare and for members of federally recognized tribes runs year round.

There are many excellent reasons to enroll in health coverage for 2016. While this won’t have the delivery of a former late night host’s Top Ten lists, I think you’ll still find it interesting.

1. For 2015 coverage in Alaska, almost 89 percent of consumers received tax credits averaging $534 per person; 82 percent could get insurance for $100 or less and 57 percent chose insurance for $100 or less.

2. Most consumers liked their health coverage according to surveys by Kaiser Family Foundation and by the Commonwealth Fund.

3. Consumers received peace of mind according to a survey by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions.

4. All Qualified Health Plans cover essential health benefits, including many free preventive health services for adults, women, and children.

5. Enrollment help is available locally (visit https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/ for local assistance information) and by phone at 1-800-318-2596 in a variety of languages.

6. Your children can stay on your plan until they turn 26.

7. Women can’t be charged more for health insurance simply for being female.

8. No one can be charged more or be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition.

9. As of the end of June, 9.9 million people were enrolled in their Marketplace plans.

10. For 2016 you can face an increased tax penalty if you fail to obtain coverage.

Open Enrollment only lasts three months, from November 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016. Two of those months are arguably the busiest of the year for many people. Get an early start! Enroll now, relax, and enjoy the benefits of health coverage and the peace of mind it brings all through 2016!

Susan Johnson is Regional Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region 10.

More in Opinion

Jackson Carney of Wrangell, a student in the Federal Subsistence Board Policy and Procedures class at the University of Alaska Southeast, testifies before the Federal Subsistence Board. (Photo by Ryan Morse/courtesy)
Point of View: Helping the next generation of hunters and fishermen to have a say

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure Alaskans, and young people, have a say in the decisions that affect them.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, a Nikiski Republican, speaks in favor of overriding a veto of Senate Bill 140 during floor debate of a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature on Monday, March 18, 2024 (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Capitol Corner: Failure of HB 69 takes us back to square one

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman reports back from Juneau.

Beach seine nets are pulled from the waters of Cook Inlet at a test site for the gear near Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Expand the set beach seine experiment

A path forward to resolve the Upper Cook Inlet King and sockeye salmon commercial fishing and conservation crisis.

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, speaks in support of debating an omnibus education bill in the Alaska House Chambers on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Capitol Corner: When politics win, our schools lose

Rep. Justin Ruffridge reports back from Juneau.

courtesy
Opinion: To prevent abuse and neglect, support child care providers

Quality, affordable child care makes society function.

Logo courtesy of League of Women Voters.
Point of View: Tell your representatives SAVE Act is not needed

The SAVE Act will disenfranchise Alaska voters and make the process of voting much more restrictive.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, a Nikiski Republican, speaks in favor of overriding a veto of Senate Bill 140 during floor debate of a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature on Monday, March 18, 2024 (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Capitol Corner: Taking steps toward a balanced budget

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman reports back from Juneau.

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, speaks in support of debating an omnibus education bill in the Alaska House Chambers on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Capitol Corner: Dedicated to doing the work on education

Rep. Justin Ruffridge reports back from Juneau.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks at a town hall meeting in the Moose Pass Sportsman’s Club in Moose Pass, Alaska, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Most Read