As COVID-19 surges through the nation, health care advocates are issuing last-minute reminders urging Americans to sign up for insurance through the federal health exchange before Tuesday’s deadline.
And with the pandemic causing thousands to lose their jobs — and their health insurance — the need is even greater than in past years.
A local coalition EnrollSA, has fielded an increase in calls for assistance. Counselors have virtual appointments scheduled to help people scrambling to file before the midnight deadline.
So far, they have helped 3,863 residents review their private insurance options on healthcare.gov, the national platform created by the Affordable Care Act, said Ana Maria Garza Cortez, vice president and chief development officer at CentroMed.
“The appointments are taking a little longer — as we anticipated and planned for — since they are virtual,” she said. “There are also different plans to choose from and consumers are taking a longer time to a make a decision.”
This year, Bexar County residents have 72 health plans offered by five insurance carriers: Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Friday Health Plans, Molina Healthcare and Oscar. Last year, there were only three companies offering 46 health plans.
On ExpressNews.com: Deadline looms for enrolling in health insurance; S.A. officials urge residents to get it done soon
Nine counties in the region have only one carrier, including Uvalde and La Salle, but the ACA compensates for the lack of competition in those markets by providing deeper cost-sharing discounts and tax credits.
Many consumers are eligible for financial assistance, which reduces the cost of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, said Joshua Peck, co-founder of national advocacy group Get America Covered.
Three out of four Texas consumers qualify for plans with a monthly premium of $10 or less and more than a million low-income Texans could actually get their health insurance for free, he said.
Peck, a former official at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the Obama administration, said it’s too early to say whether more people are flocking to healthcare.gov this year, but it looks that way.
As of Dec. 5, the CMS reported more than 620,000 enrollments in Texas. That’s about 200,000 more enrollees than last year at this time.
There’s been a jump in active renewals, which means existing members are picking a new plan now rather than waiting for an automatic renewal under the same carrier on a similar plan for 2021.
On ExpressNews.com: Coronavirus-weary San Antonio consumers have more choices on insurance exchange
Last year, EnrollSA signed up 2,019 individuals, but Cortez said that number could be slightly lower this year because of historic job losses related to the coronavirus pandemic.
These consumers may not be able to show a projected income for 2021 that allows them to qualify for affordable insurance rates.
In most other states, being slightly above the poverty level would make them eligible for a plan through Medicaid, the joint state-federal program that provides health care to low-income individuals, but not in Texas where lawmakers refuse to expand the program.
Those who miss the deadline because they were affected by COVID-19 can request an extension under a rule that allows for special enrollment period within 60 days of emergency situations such as job loss, marriage, child birth and adoption, but there’s no guarantee it will be granted.
People can discuss their eligibilty with certified application counselors by visiting EnrollSA.com or by calling 210-977-7997. Hundreds of local insurance brokers can also be found on healthcare.gov’s online directory.
Andi Gillentine, plan chief product president at Superior HealthPlan, said those who have lost their jobs can often find a more affordable plan on the ACA marketplace rather than paying for a temporary COBRA plan offered by their former employer.
“No matter your situation, we encourage everyone to explore their options,” she said, adding that getting health coverage during the ongoing pandemic can provide some peace of mind.
Laura Garcia covers the health care industry. To read more from Laura, become a subscriber. laura.garcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @Reporter_Laura
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Time running out to sign up for ACA health care plans - San Antonio Express-News
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