LAMC Certified Application Counselors, Geraldine Keane, Alberta Lopez and Richelle Fry are waiting to assist you in the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange application process in their office inside LAMC. Courtesy photo
By FELICIANO JIRON, CEOTwo years ago, the Health Insurance Marketplaces, a key provision of the Affordable Care Act, opened for the first time.
Since then, an estimated 10.2 million Americans have enrolled for healthcare coverage through the online marketplace, which allows people to browse coverage options, compare plans and purchase health insurance that meets their individual needs.
Overall, under the Affordable Care Act, 17.6 million more individuals in the U.S., some of whom are right here in Los Alamos, now have improved access to medical care in the form of preventive health screenings, vaccinations, wellness checks and women’s care, among other services.
While this is great news, there are still an estimated 10.5 million Americans who do not have healthcare coverage. Throughout 2015, many of these men and women, some of which could be our neighbors, family or friends, will forego the preventive health services that can detect and prevent long-term health problems.
Many of them also will be subject to increased federal penalties in the upcoming tax season for lack of healthcare coverage. Those without insurance in 2016 could face penalties as high as $695 per person or 2.5 percent of their taxable income.
At Los Alamos Medical Center, we are dedicated to making communities healthier. One way we do this is by helping our community members understand the value of health insurance and the options available to them through the Marketplace.
The New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange is run by the state and is located online at https://www.bewellnm.com. Throughout the 2016 open enrollment window, which runs Nov. 1, 2015 through Jan. 31, 2016, our hope is to educate people about the opportunity through the Marketplace to select a quality health insurance plan that:
- satisfies your current healthcare needs,
- ensures that you have access to the preventive care you need now to remain healthy later, and
- is financially manageable.
Selecting a plan that satisfies your needs
As you shop and compare plans, you should consider whether each plan includes any physicians and providers regularly seen by you or any family members who will be covered by the plan.
These include primary care physicians, pediatricians, OB/GYN, ENTs, dermatologists, and other specialty care providers. For those who need help identifying a provider to meet your healthcare needs, Los Alamos Medical Center can help. Simply call 505.662.4201.
Preventive Care
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease, cancer and diabetes are responsible for seven out of 10 deaths each year. These illnesses are largely preventable or treatable with regular wellness checks and health screenings, many of which are now covered by all health insurance plans.
Preventive care also helps people keep diseases they already have from progressing into debilitating or life-threatening conditions, saves individuals money in terms of healthcare expenses, and typically leads to longer, more productive lives.
Financially Manageable
If you are concerned about the cost of insurance premiums, there are numerous assistance programs available to lessen the financial impact, such as federal subsidies and tax incentives. According to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, throughout 2015, 84 percent of Americans who enrolled in healthcare coverage through the Marketplaces benefited from the subsidies.
Ready to Enroll?
Whether you want to compare your current plan to new plans in the Marketplace or enroll for the first time, now is the time to act. Through Jan. 31, 2016, uninsured individuals have a three-month window to shop and compare insurance plans and select the plan that best fits your needs.
Los Alamos Medical Center is here to help. We have Certified Application Counselors (CACs) onsite to support you in the application process.
Call Los Alamos Medical Center today at 505.662.4201 during regular business hours to schedule an appointment with a Certified Application Counselor.
You also can email us to ask questions or set up an appointment at www.losalamosmedicalcenter.CAC@lpnt.net or visit us online at www.losalamosmedicalcenter.com for information, including a checklist of documents you will need for enrollment.
