Affordable Care Act enrollment events scheduled in Albany, Americus

ALBANY — The embattled Affordable Care Act is still the law and while it remains in effect, there are people in Georgia who need to be enrolled in a plan.

South Georgians can receive help signing up for health insurance coverage under the ACA through three events coming up at Phoebe Putney Health System facilities in conjunction with InsureGA. They will be held on Saturday at Phoebe North, Nov. 9 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center’s education building and Dec. 9 at Phoebe East.

Each event will be open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The window to enroll starts Wednesday and runs through Dec. 15, half the length of time that was allowed last year. because of a drop in Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage, there are many in south Georgia who will be relying on Ambetter for their health care if they are getting it through ACA.

“We have half the time, twice as much work and half as much help,” Melissa Camp, director of navigation and partner development at InsureGA, said. “We are dependent on volunteers, who are being federally certified. The next six weeks are going to be extremely difficult. We are working to get (everyone who needs it signed up).”

Even with the limited options under ACA, Camp said she believes those receiving care under the plan will be satisfied with their care. She added it can be a confusing process, especially considering the climate in Washington, D.C. as it relates to ACA.

On the note of changes on the federal level, Camp stressed that the recent executive order signed by President Trump impacted insurance companies rather than the consumers, and those signing up for ACA coverage will still be able to use it in 2018.

“The 2018 rates were filed and applied for several months ago,” she said.

Jerry Colson, corporate director of patient access and financial assistance at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, said there are many who are still uneducated about ACA, so outreach events such as these help.

“Without the work we are doing, there are those without access to (the internet) that would not have access to care. This is an avenue to fill that void,” he said. “Individuals might not understand how to navigate the complexities of the ACA system. We have experts trained and skilled to help those who might be a little (confused).

“We still find on occasion someone not aware of the ACA. They don’t know how it works.”

Colson said the events also help ensure the public can hear the answers to their questions firsthand.

“We are hoping we will continue to educate the public on the importance of having health care, and that those with health care will educate their families,” he said. “We are trusting this will spread.”

These are opportunities, Colson said, to talk about more than open enrollment. He added that people ought to be motivated to spark a “rallying cry” to legislators on the status of their health care.

The enrollment benefits more than medical providers.

“I would say the biggest benefit (is to) the individual,” Colson said.

Those coming to one of the events be enrolled are asked to bring tax documentation from 2016 or recent paystubs for everyone in the household. Non-U.S. citizens should bring documentation verifying they are in the country legally. The process takes 45 minutes, Camp said.

Those unable to make it to one of the events are encouraged to contact InsureGA at 1 (866) 988-8246 if they need assistance with the enrollment process.