ACA enrollment ends Friday. Free enrollment events near you. Visit NCNavigator.net or call 1-855-733-3711 for help.

RALEIGH · DEC 13, 2017 – “We are here to tell you that there is still time for North Carolinians to sign up for the Affordable Care Act,” Gov. Roy Cooper said at a free enrollment event today in Raleigh. “You have until midnight on Friday, December the 15th to get online and insure your families.”

“Now is the time to do it,” he said.

Today’s event, hosted by Alliance Medical Ministry, is one of many being held around the state this week. Enrollment events give consumers a chance to get free, in-person help from expert navigators who are trained to help consumers understand the ins and outs of enrolling on HealthCare.gov, the federal Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act.

The free enrollment events are being sponsored by the NC Navigator Consortium, the largest navigator group in North Carolina. A full list of events is attached to this release (see below) and available on NCNavigator.net (scroll down to Enrollment Events).

All enrollment events are completely free and open to the public. Walk-in appointments are available on a first-come-first-served basis, but consumers are encouraged to schedule appointments by calling 1-855-733-3711 (toll-free) or using the online Get Covered Connector. Consumers can also schedule appointments outside of enrollment events.

“We’re here at the last minute, don’t delay any longer,” Jennifer Simmons, director of the NC Navigator Consortium, said at today’s event. “Help is here if you need it,” she said. “There are assisters across the state of North Carolina that are available and would love to help you complete your enrollment.”

Consumers can also enroll on their own by visiting HealthCare.gov or by contacting the HealthCare.gov call center at 1-800-318-2596 (toll-free).

Here are some important facts for consumers to know:

• The Affordable Care Act is still the law, and Americans must be enrolled in health insurance in 2018 to avoid paying a fine of $695 per uninsured adult, or 2.5% of household income (whichever is greater).
• Financial help to help consumers pay their monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs – copays and deductibles – are still available. Nine in 10 North Carolinians who enrolled in the last open enrollment period received some financial help to cover their premium costs.
• Consumer subsidies go up or down along with premium rates, so most consumers should not feel the premium increase in their wallet.
• Consumers who already have Marketplace coverage should come back to review the new plans available for 2018, rather than automatically re-enrolling. New plans and prices are available, so consumers should make sure they are enrolled in the best plan for their family’s medical needs and budget.

All plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace cover comprehensive care, including doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, emergency services, hospitalization, preventive and rehabilitative care, and more.

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About the NC Navigator Consortium
The NC Navigator Consortium is a group of 12 health care, social service and legal aid organizations that helps North Carolina consumers enroll in affordable health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. Members of the consortium are Access East, Capital Care Collaborative, Care Ring, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Cumberland HealthNet, HealthCare Access, HealthNet Gaston, MDC, Partnership for Community Care, and Pisgah Legal Services. The consortium is led by Legal Aid of North Carolina. Learn more at NCNavigator.net.

Media Contacts
Sean Driscoll, 919-856-2132, Director of Public Relations, Legal Aid of North Carolina, seand@legalaidnc.org

Consumers can call 1-855-733-3711 (toll-free) or visit ncnavigator.net to schedule a free, confidential, in-person appointment with a certified navigator near them

RALEIGH · November 1, 2018 – NC navigators are here to help North Carolinians enroll in affordable, comprehensive health insurance plans on HealthCare.gov during the Affordable Care Act’s sixth open-enrollment period, which starts today and runs through Dec. 15, 2018.

Throughout open enrollment, North Carolina consumers can call 1-855-733-3711 (toll-free) or visit ncnavigator.net to schedule a free, confidential, in-person appointment with a certified NC navigator in their area.

NC navigators are trained to help consumers enroll in coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, the online storefront that consumers can visit to browse and enroll in affordable, comprehensive health insurance plans.

NC navigators can help consumers understand the details of the plans available on HealthCare.gov, complete the enrollment process and determine their eligibility for financial assistance. Last year, nine in 10 North Carolinians who enrolled in coverage on HealthCare.gov received financial assistance.

During this open enrollment period, NC navigators will help consumers understand the differences between the comprehensive plans available on HealthCare.gov and the new alternative plans, known as short-term, limited-duration (STLD) insurance, or association plans, which provide less coverage and patient protections than HealthCare.gov plans.

Every insurance plan available on HealthCare.gov provides comprehensive, year-round coverage that includes essential benefits like prescription drugs, hospital visits, mental health care, maternity care, doctor visits and more. HealthCare.gov plans also include important patient protections, including one that prohibits insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. HealthCare.gov plans automatically renew every year, so consumers do not experience gaps in coverage.

The alternative plans, which are not available on HealthCare.gov, do not necessarily provide year-round coverage; do not have to cover essential health benefits like prescription drugs, hospital visits, mental health care, maternity care and doctor visits; allow insurers to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions; and do not automatically renew, which could leave consumers with gaps in coverage.

“HealthCare.gov is the only place to get quality, affordable health insurance that covers everything you need,” Mark Van Arnam, co-director of the NC Navigator Consortium, said. “Navigators are here to help North Carolinians understand all their options and find the plan that best meets their needs and fits their budget.”

“We want consumers to know that financial assistance is still available,” Eunice Lee-Ahn, co-director of the Consortium, said. “Most North Carolinians enrolled in a HealthCare.gov plan get financial help that lowers their monthly cost to about the same as a cell phone. Navigators can help consumers determine if they are eligible for financial assistance and sign up for it as part of the enrollment process.”

North Carolinians who are already enrolled in a HealthCare.gov plan will automatically get re-enrolled in 2019 coverage, but navigators are urging consumers to check back in to see if a more suitable plan is available. Rates have dropped in some areas, so consumers might be able to find a plan that offers equivalent or better coverage for cheaper.

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Media Contacts

Mark Van Arnam, Co-Director, NC Navigator Consortium, 704-785-0839, MarkV@legalaidnc.org

The NC Navigator Consortium is a group of seven health care, social service and legal aid organizations that helps North Carolina consumers enroll in affordable, comprehensive health insurance plans on HealthCare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act. Members of the consortium are Access East, Capital Care Collaborative, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Cumberland HealthNet, HealthNet Gaston, and Legal Aid of North Carolina, which leads the consortium. Learn more at ncnavigator.net.

Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal help to low-income and vulnerable North Carolinians. Learn more at legalaidnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

​BURLINGTON, February 3, 2015 – North Carolinians who need help enrolling in affordable health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act can call toll-free 1-855-733-3711 or 1-800-672-5834 to schedule a free, in-person meeting with a certified health care navigator who can guide consumers through the enrollment process. Open enrollment runs through February 15.

Navigators from Legal Aid of North Carolina will be conducting an enroll-a-thon February 11 at the Alamance County Health Department at 319 North Graham-Hopedale Road in Burlington. Appointments are required and may be scheduled by calling 1-855-733-3711 or 1-800-672-5834.

Navigators are trained to help consumers understand how the Affordable Care Act will work for their families, apply for premium subsidies and coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, and enroll in qualified health plans. Ninety-two percent of North Carolinians who enrolled or reenrolled in health care coverage by December 15 received financial assistance.

Consumers enrolling in health plans need to provide social security numbers and dates of birth for themselves and their family members, employer contact information (if applicable), policy numbers for current health insurance coverage (if applicable), and proof of household income.

Click here to learn more about navigators and the Affordable Care Act.​

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Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in order to ensure equal access to justice and remove legal barriers to economic opportunity. To learn more, visit www.legalaidnc.org or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contacts

David Richardson, 919-542-0475, davidr@legalaidnc.org

Sean Driscoll, 919-856-2132, seand@legalaidnc.org

The project described was supported by Funding Opportunity number CA-NAV-14-002 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The contents provided are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS or any of its agencies.

​Uninsured North Carolinians who experience a qualifying life event may be eligible to enroll in quality, affordable health coverage before ACA enrollment re-opens in November

RALEIGH, April 4, 2016 – The Affordable Care Act’s third open-enrollment period ended Jan. 31, but some uninsured North Carolinians can still get coverage before enrollment reopens in November. Any uninsured consumer who experiences a qualifying life event can enroll in health coverage – right away – through the Health Insurance Marketplace through a “special enrollment period.”

Any of the following events could qualify an uninsured consumer to enroll in coverage through a special enrollment period:

• Moving outside of your coverage area
• Loss of current health coverage (for example, due to turning 26 years old or losing job-based coverage)
• Marriage or divorce
• The birth or adoption of a child
• A change in immigration status
• Problems or interruptions with your Marketplace coverage
• Other life-changing events

“We encourage North Carolinians who experience qualifying life events to utilize this opportunity to get covered instead of waiting until the next open enrollment,” said Jennifer Simmons, North Carolina Navigator Consortium Project Director. “In-person assisters are available across the state to answer consumers’ questions and help them make the best coverage decisions.”

“While the Affordable Care Act has helped over 613,000 North Carolinians get the peace of mind that comes with quality, affordable health coverage, special enrollment periods can help thousands more enroll right now,” said Sorien Schmidt, North Carolina Director for Enroll America. “Any uninsured consumer who thinks they have experienced a qualifying life event should act immediately – log on to healthcare.gov or schedule a time with an enrollment assister and find out what your options are to protect yourself and your family.”

Use the screener on HealthCare.gov to see if you qualify for a special enrollment period.

Individuals generally have 60 days from the date of the event to enroll in coverage. North Carolinians who have experienced a qualifying life event should report the change right away to the Marketplace by visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596. To prevent a gap in coverage, consumers can report certain life changes in advance, such as a move or loss of coverage. Anyone with questions can also sit down with a free, in-person enrollment assister that can walk them through the enrollment process and make sure they’re selecting the best plan for their needs and budget. To schedule an appointment, North Carolinians should call 1-855-733-3711 (toll-free) or visit gcaconnector.org.

Across North Carolina, Legal Aid of North Carolina and Enroll America are working with volunteers and community organizations to ensure North Carolinians know about special enrollment periods and what it can mean for their coverage options if they experience a qualifying life event before open enrollment begins on November 1.

And for many North Carolinians, coverage is truly affordable. That’s because financial help is still available to lower their monthly premiums, just as it was during the recent open enrollment period.

Those who don’t have health insurance in 2016 may face a fine of $695 or 2.5% of their income – whichever is greater. And that’s on top of having to pay out of pocket for routine medical care and unexpected emergencies. So uninsured North Carolinians who experience a qualifying life event shouldn’t delay or risk paying high medical bills when they can have quality, affordable health insurance that will cover the essentials and protect them from the unexpected.

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The NC Navigator Consortium is a group of 14 health care, social service and legal aid organizations that helps North Carolina consumers enroll in affordable health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act. The consortium is led by Legal Aid of North Carolina, a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to low-income North Carolinians. Members of the consortium are Access East, Capital Care Collaborative, Cape Fear HealthNet, Care Ring, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Cumberland HealthNet, HealthCare Access, HealthNet Gaston, Legal Services of Southern Piedmont, MDC, Partnership for Community Care, Pisgah Legal Services and United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Enroll America is the nation’s leading health care enrollment coalition. An independent nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, Enroll America works with more than 6,700 partners in all 50 states to create cutting-edge tools, analyze data, inform policy, and share best practices in service of its mission: maximizing the number of Americans who enroll in and retain health coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Media Contacts
Lovemore Masakadza, Enroll America, 704-962-1253, lmasakadza@enrollamerica.org
Sean Driscoll, Legal Aid of North Carolina, 919-856-2132, seand@legalaidnc.org​

RALEIGH, September 6, 2016 – The NC Navigator Consortium, a group of 13 health care, legal aid and social service organizations, has been awarded a $2,444,703 federal grant to help North Carolina consumers enroll in health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. The grant will fund the consortium’s outreach and enrollment activities through September 2017.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced the 2016-2017 navigator grants today. The full list of grantees is available on the Centers’ website.

Legal Aid of North Carolina, a nonprofit civil legal aid organization, is the leader of the consortium and will administer the grant.

The funding will support a corps of about 200 navigators, who are trained to help consumers understand the details of plans available on the Health Insurance Marketplace, determine which plan will best meet their needs, apply for financial assistance, and complete the enrollment process.

Navigators meet with consumers in free, in-person, one-on-one, confidential sessions at convenient locations throughout the state. Strict security and privacy standards are in place to ensure that consumers’ personally identifiable information is protected.

The 2016-2017 open-enrollment period is the fourth since the Health Insurance Marketplace launched in 2013. The period runs from Nov. 1, 2016, to Jan. 31, 2017. Plans must be selected by Dec. 15, 2016, for coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2017. Navigators are available to answer consumers’ questions throughout the year. Consumers can call North Carolina’s toll-free navigator hotline at 1-855-733-3711 or visit gcaconnector.org to schedule an in-person appointment with a navigator.

This year, in addition to providing general enrollment assistance, the Consortium will focus on conducting outreach to hard-to-reach populations, helping consumers re-enroll in coverage, and providing post-enrollment assistance by helping consumers understand, use and troubleshoot their new coverage.

Consumers currently enrolled in a Marketplace plan will be automatically re-enrolled unless they choose a new plan. The NC Navigator Consortium urges consumers to seek in-person assistance before automatically re-enrolling. Prices and options change each year, and a navigator can help consumers feel confident they are in the best plan for their family and are receiving the right financial help.

Consumers without health insurance at the end of the open-enrollment period may be subject to a fine on their 2016 tax return. The fine will be at least $695 per person, or 2.5 percent of the consumer’s income, whichever is greater. Some consumers may be eligible to have the fine waived. Navigators can help consumers apply for waivers.

The latest enrollment numbers from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show that, as of March 31, there were 545,354 North Carolinians enrolled in health insurance plans purchased on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Only California, Florida and Texas have more residents enrolled. Of the roughly half-million enrolled North Carolinians, 499,178 of them – 91.5 percent – are receiving financial assistance. Only five other states have higher rates of enrollees receiving financial assistance.

Members of the consortium are Access East, Capital Care Collaborative, Care Ring, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Cumberland HealthNet, HealthCare Access, HealthNet Gaston, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Legal Services of Southern Piedmont, MDC, Partnership for Community Care, Pisgah Legal Services and United Way of Greater Greensboro​.

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The NC Navigator Consortium is a group of 13 health care, social service, and legal aid organizations that helps North Carolina consumers enroll in affordable health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. The consortium is led by Legal Aid of North Carolina, a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to low-income North Carolinians.

Media Contacts

• Sean Driscoll, Director of Public Relations, 919-856-2132
• Jennifer Simmons, Navigator Project Director, 919-863-1443

Free, in-person enrollment help available across NC

RALEIGH, DEC. 7, 2016 – North Carolinians who want to enroll in quality, affordable health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace must enroll by Dec. 15 if they want their new coverage to begin on New Year’s Day. Consumers who need to re-enroll should also choose plans by Dec. 15 so they don’t experience any gap in coverage as the new year begins.

To help North Carolinians beat the deadline, in-person assisters are holding enrollment events across the state. For details, visit ncgetcovered.org/events/category/partner-events/.

The NC Navigator Consortium and Enroll America encourage all uninsured North Carolinians to take advantage of the quality plans and financial assistance available through the Affordable Care Act.

Here are five things every North Carolinian needs to know about getting covered by Dec. 15:

1. The Affordable Care Act is still the law. Some North Carolinians have expressed concerns and asked questions about the future of the Affordable Care Act and their ability to enroll in quality, affordable health coverage through the Marketplace after the elections. As of now, nothing about the Affordable Care Act marketplace has changed – consumers can still enroll.
2. The first open-enrollment deadline is Dec. 15. The open-enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace lasts three months, from Nov. 1, 2016, until Jan. 31, 2017. During this time, North Carolinians are able to enter the Marketplace and select a plan that fits their needs and budget. North Carolinians who currently have coverage through the Marketplace or an individual plan outside the Marketplace will also have an opportunity to shop the new options available and find the best plan for them. Enrolling by Dec. 15 will guarantee that their coverage will start on New Year’s Day, providing them with the peace of mind that comes with protecting themselves and their families.
3. Free, local, in-person enrollment help is available to all North Carolinians. The enrollment process can be confusing for many, especially for those who have gone a long time without coverage. Luckily, there is free, in-person enrollment help available in your area. Navigators are certified, unbiased experts in your community who can sit down with you, explain your options, and help you make the best coverage decision for you and your family. Navigators can also help you re-enroll if you are already insured through the Affordable Care Act and want to keep your coverage or choose a new plan. You can find a navigator near you and make an appointment by calling 1-855-733-3711 (toll-free) or using the Get Covered Connector tool at GetCoveredAmerica.org/Connector.
4. 92% of North Carolinians got financial help to make their plan more affordable. For many North Carolinians, affordability is a real concern in their health care decision-making. In the past, high premium costs have forced many to go without health insurance simply because they could not afford it. The good news is that financial help is available to help you pay for your plan. In fact, as of March 2016, nearly 545,000 North Carolinians were enrolled in coverage, and 92 percent of them received financial assistance to make their monthly payments affordable. To find out if you qualify for financial assistance through the Affordable Care Act, check out the Get Covered Calculator tool at GetCoveredAmerica.org/Calculator.
5. Plans and prices change every year, and now you can easily compare your options. Everyone’s needs and financial situations are different, and the wide variety of plans can be intimidating. That’s why Get Covered America has introduced the Get Covered Plan Explorer, a free online plan comparison tool that can provide you with up-to-date and easy-to-understand information on your health coverage options. By answering a few simple questions about your household, the Plan Explorer will generate a list of available plans that meet your needs – including the plans that cover your doctors. The tool also takes into account the monthly premium and estimated out-of-pocket costs, so you’ll have a good idea of what you’ll pay throughout the year. Using side-by-side comparisons, you can be confident that you’re choosing the plan that best fits your needs and your annual budget. Explore your options now at GetCoveredAmerica.org/Explorer.

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The NC Navigator Consortium is a group of 13 health care, social service, and legal aid organizations that helps North Carolina consumers enroll in affordable health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. The consortium is led by Legal Aid of North Carolina, a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to low-income North Carolinians.

Media Contact

Sean Driscoll, Director of Public Relations, Legal Aid of N.C., 919-856-2132, seand@legalaidnc.org