Saturday is the deadline to obtain health insurance coverage through the state's My Arkansas Insurance Individual Marketplace this year.
The next open enrollment will be Nov. 1, 2019, for anyone who does not qualify for a 60-day special enrollment period.
"This insurance coverage through the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace (AHIM) is for any Arkansan who does not have access to health insurance coverage through an employer-provided plan, Medicaid or Medicare," Angela Lowther, executive director of AHIM, said in a news release.
Individual health insurance plans available at http://www.myARinsurance.com are designed to meet the needs of families and to provide a variety of options to fit household budgets, the release said.
"This is affordable coverage provided right here in Arkansas," Lowther said. "Additionally, financial assistance is available to help families pay for the cost of insurance."
Standard health care benefits include inpatient care, outpatient services, and prescription drugs. The plans also emphasize the importance of preventive care and screenings, most of which do not require a co-payment. There are no lifetime limits and no restrictions for pre-existing conditions, the release said.
To receive help in navigating the process and selecting appropriate health insurance options, call the My Arkansas Insurance Helpline at 844-355-3262, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and can connect participants with licensed insurance agents and brokers around the state who can answer all questions and provide enrollment assistance.
The federal Marketplace Call Center is available 24 hours a day at 800-318-2596, and participants can also enroll directly through the federal exchange at HealthCare.gov.
The special enrollment period, which allows enrollment outside of open enrollment, is for anyone who experiences certain life changes, such as losing health coverage, getting married, or the birth of a child. It requires participants to enroll within 60 days following the date of the qualifying event. More information on the special enrollment period can be found at http://www.myARinsurance.com.
The Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace was created to manage and implement a state-based health insurance exchange in Arkansas in accordance with state and federal law. My Arkansas Insurance is the state-based exchange established and managed by AHIM, the release said.
Local on 12/12/2018