Nearly 9 million people signed up for “Obamacare” next year according to numbers released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CMS says the numbers were surprisingly strong in the 39 states served by the federal Healthcare.gov website, in spite of the shortened enrollment period. For most the deadline to sign up was December 15th, but all Georgia residents have until the 31st because of Hurricane Irma. Harold Weber is the Outreach Coordinator and a Health Plan Navigator with Athens Neighborhood Health Center.
“Very little communication about that, what we need to do now is get the word out that people throughout the state of Georgia can enroll in open enrollment through December 31st.
He says people previously enrolled who missed the deadline should still have coverage.
“Anyone who hasn’t enrolled by December 15th and who hasn’t chosen a plan, but who previously been on the marketplace, then the marketplace will automatically reenroll them into a similar plan as to what they had last year.”
By the time those enrollees receive their notices they may not have time to make changes this year.
“So if they can’t act on that right away they’re stuck with whatever they get or no insurance at all.”
Medicare enrollees also have until the 31st to make changes. You can reach Harold Webber at 706-255-4292 for questions about coverage.
