Get Affordable Health Insurance Through the Marketplace
The Time is Now!
Open Enrollment is here, and it’s your opportunity to secure health insurance through the Marketplace. If you’re unsure where to begin, don’t worry we are here to help you navigate this important time with confidence.
What Is Open Enrollment?
This is your annual opportunity to sign up for or make changes to your health insurance plan through the Marketplace. For coverage in 2025, you can enroll between November 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025. After this period, you won’t be able to enroll or modify your plan unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.
Thanks to a new law, many individuals are now eligible for savings on Marketplace health insurance, with some paying as little as $10 a month or even less.
Why Health Insurance Matters?
Health insurance isn’t just a coverage decision—it’s an important way to protect your household from unexpected medical expenses while ensuring you can access the care you need to stay healthy. Princess Osby, Director of Enabling Services, explains:
“Taking the time to get insured provides peace of mind and shields you from the financial strain that unexpected health issues can cause.”
Without insurance, medical bills can quickly add up, whether from hospital visits, specialist care, or emergencies. At Central North Alabama Health Services, Inc. (CNAHSI), we strive to make affordable healthcare accessible to everyone. Our sliding fee scale helps our uninsured and underinsured patients afford healthcare within our healthcare system, providing access to an array of primary care services for both children and adults.
However, for services outside our system—such as specialist care or hospitalization—health insurance becomes essential. That’s why we encourage all our patients to secure health insurance coverage.
Health Insurance Marketplace Dates:
- November 1: Open Enrollment starts
- December 15: Last day to enroll or make changes for coverage to begin January 1, 2025
- January 1: Coverage begins for those who enrolled or made changes by December 15
- January 15: Final day to enroll or make changes for the year
If you qualify for health insurance through Medicaid, you can apply with the Medicaid office at any time. Enrollment for employer-sponsored plans or Medicare also happens separately, so be sure to check those deadlines if they apply to you.
How to Apply for Affordable Health Insurance
You have several options for applying:
- Online: Visit healthcare.gov.
- By Phone: Call 1-800-318-2596.
- In Person: Certified Application Counselors (like CNAHSI’s team) can help you for free.
- Through Brokers or Agents: Licensed professionals can guide your selection.
- Using a Paper Application: Available for those who prefer mail-in options.
Finding the Right Plan for You
Health insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to think about your needs. What works for someone else may not be the best fit for you, so it’s important to consider your own health needs, budget, and preferences when selecting a plan. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
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Monthly Premium
This is the regular monthly payment you make to your insurance company, even if you don’t need medical services that month. Larger premiums usually mean lower out of pocket costs.
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Out-of-Pocket Costs
These include costs you pay directly for getting care, such as:
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- Deductibles: This is the amount you need to pay for healthcare services before your insurance starts covering costs. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, you pay that amount out-of-pocket first. After that, your insurance begins to help cover costs.
- Copays: This is a fixed amount you pay for a service each time you use it. For example, you might pay $20 every time you visit your doctor.
- Coinsurance: After you meet your deductible, you pay a percentage of the cost for services. For example, if you need a hospital stay, you may pay 20% of the bill.
- Out-of-Pocket Maximums: This is the maximum amount you’ll pay for covered services in a year. Once you reach this limit, your insurance will cover all additional costs for the rest of the year.
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Plan Type and Network Flexibility
Some plans allow you to see almost any doctor or health facility, while others limit your choices to specific providers. If you go outside their network, you may face higher costs. Think about whether you need flexibility or are comfortable with a more limited network.
Free Help Is Available!
If this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. CNAHSI offers free health insurance assistance through Certified Application Counselors (CACs). Our team will walk you through the application process and help you enroll in or change your health insurance plan.
Here’s how to schedule your appointment:
📍 Location: Huntsville Family Health Center
📅 Availability: Tuesdays and Thursdays (by appointment only)
📞 Call: 256-533-6311, extension 2227
Don’t Miss the Deadline!
The Open Enrollment deadline is January 15, 2025.
At our Family Health Centers, we’re here to ensure you have access to quality healthcare services. Our certified application counselors will help you explore your health insurance options and ensure you’re ready for the year ahead.
Empowering a healthy community through affordable care!