Enrollment event

An open enrollment event is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Hot Springs County Library. Enroll Wyoming navigators will once again be available to provide individual assistance during the Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period, which runs from Nov. 1 through December 15.

“Enroll Wyoming navigators will be traveling to each Wyoming county to educate residents about their health insurance options and provide free enrollment assistance to individuals and families who need coverage for 2018,” said Monica Jennings, Enroll Wyoming navigator.

In previous years navigators visited each county multiple times during open enrollment. Due to reduced funding, the Enroll Wyoming navigators will only be able to travel to some counties once during this year’s open enrollment period.

Five Tips to Prepare for Open Enrollment

1. Ask questions now. Many people want to know if they will qualify for health insurance plan discounts. People can dial 2-1-1 now to speak with a navigator and check their eligibility. Navigators have already scheduled their visits throughout the state and can schedule an appointment to meet in person or via telehealth.

2. Set up an account/access existing accounts. In order to apply for health insurance through the Marketplace, individuals need to set up an account on http://www.healthcare.gov by clicking on “ log in” at the top right on the home screen and by then clicking on “create an account.” Account creation requires an email address. People may dial 2-1-1 to connect with a navigator who can assist with setting up an account. People with an existing healthcare.gov account are encouraged to log in now and be sure they know their password to avoid waiting on the phone line during open enrollment to reset passwords. If a password needs to be reset, people may call 1-800-318-2596 for help.

3. Collect the information needed to complete the application. Navigators will not ask to see personal identifiable information (PII) during enrollment events. Residents who wish to enroll need to know birth dates, social security numbers, expected income for 2018 before taxes and whether or not their employer offers health insurance coverage to complete the application. It is also helpful to make a list of any medications, specific doctors, health clinics and hospitals that will be used for health care for 2018 and to bring this list to an enrollment event.

4. Plan to attend an enrollment event now. Wyoming 2-1-1 continues to maintain the calendar and travel schedule for Enroll Wyoming navigators. People may dial 2-1-1 or 888-425-7138 from a land line or cell phone to speak with a navigator and find out when a navigator will be in their community. Wyoming residents may also visit http://www.wyoming211.org and click on the “Enroll Wyoming” link to the left of the page to view the calendar themselves.

5. Enroll/re-enroll early. Open enrollment begins November 1, 2017. Those needing coverage for 2018 must enroll by December 15, 2017. Most of the nation will be enrolling on healthcare.gov at the same time.

To avoid lines and long wait times, attend an enrollment event in November and complete enrollment early.