National Program Offers Budget-Friendly Health Insurance Plans

November 11, 2022
Navigating Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace

Watch the video that shows BayCare’s health care navigators kicking off 2023 Marketplace open enrollment in an appearance with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor in Tampa.

 

If you don’t have health insurance because the cost doesn’t fit into your budget, the national Health Insurance Marketplace may offer a solution: plans with premiums that adjust according to your income.

BayCare Health System has a team of health care navigators trained and licensed to help you explore the Marketplace plans and identify the best option for you. Their free, one-on-one assistance is available to any member of the public by calling (855) 404-3334.

“Our BayCare health care navigators are committed to helping our community find health care coverage that meets their needs and, more importantly, their budget,” said Maybelline Samiel, BayCare Financial Assistance west region manager. “Through a very personalized approach, they can review your health care options and help you make the best decision for you and your family.

“Navigators have one priority,” she added, “to help ensure you have access to affordable health care.” 

The national Health Insurance Marketplace was created when Congress passed the Affordable Care Act in 2010 to make more-affordable health insurance and health care available to more Americans. 

Annual enrollment in the Marketplace for 2023 is now open and continues through Jan. 15, 2023. However, if you want your health insurance to take effect Jan. 1, 2023, you must enroll and make the first payment for your plan by Dec. 15, 2022. If you delay enrolling and paying until after Dec. 15, your insurance will not start until Feb. 1, 2023.

All Marketplace insurance plans are provided by major insurance carriers and cover 10 essential health benefits, including outpatient services, hospitalization, emergency care, prescription drugs, mental health and addiction services, pediatric care, pregnancy care and laboratory services.

For more information about the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit HealthCare.gov.