MRHC assisting with health insurance marketplace needs

Mineral Regional Health Center has retained a new outreach/enrollment specialist who will assist residents in Mineral County and the region to enroll in Montana’s new Health Insurance Marketplace, which opened Oct. 1.

Kristi Scott is the new specialist whose role involves assisting people to access and enroll in Montana’s Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the state’s Health Insurance Exchange.

Scott is also available to help residents determine eligibility and locate the insurance program best fitting their needs.

Those who are uninsured or seeking more affordable healthcare coverage are particularly encouraged to contact Scott, who may be reached at 822-7134 or kscott@mchospital.net. She is available weekdays for questions or appointments to discuss the eligibility and enrollment process.

“Prepare for enrollment by gathering basic information about your household income, including W-2’s, current pay stubs and tax returns,” Scott said, adding that consumers may also sign up for email or text updates about the marketplace at www.healthcare.gov.

Those with access to a computer and the ability to navigate the Internet are encouraged to research and apply through the marketplace at www.healthcare.gov.

Consumers may also apply at 1-800-318-2596. Scott is available to assist with any venue.

“The online process is a single, uniform application,” Scott said. “The process is streamlined and extremely user-friendly.”

Montana’s Health Insurance Marketplace was made possible by the Affordable Care Act, authorized by Congress in March 2010.

The ACA introduced a variety of market reforms, expanded eligibility, and in some states implemented changes within the Medicaid program.

In addition, reforms were made regarding provider reimbursements and incentives.

The Montana marketplace, which is open 24/7, offers a variety of benefits, available to both individuals and small businesses.

They include:

• Premium assistance tax credits – sliding scale for qualifying individuals

• Cost-sharing reductions – assistance toward co-pays, deductibles, etc.

• Tax credits for small businesses

• Level playing field – promotes competition and efficiency among providers

• 10 essential health benefits included in every insurance plan

• 4 tiers of private plans – Bronze (60/40), Silver (70/30), Gold (80/20), Platinum (90/10)

• Catastrophic plan for individuals 30 and under who qualify for an affordability waiver

• Cannot be denied for pre-existing conditions

• Reduced risk pool

“Montana’s marketplace provides a one-stop shop that screens individuals to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Healthy Montana Kids or private insurance,” Scott said.

“In addition, during the enrollment process, eligibility is determined for premium tax credits and cost-sharing.

The process is very basic and allows for seamless transition from one insurance program to another, if necessary.”