Jason Mincer, Wyoming Project Manager
Enroll Wyoming provides free support and information to eliminate confusion
I have worked in public health for almost 20 years, and one of the main concerns that always comes up is access to quality health care at an affordable price. Fast forward to today where I am proud to lead the Enroll Wyoming program where we focus on this issue, in particular.
Enroll Wyoming is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to find those in need of health care and health insurance and to help them find solutions that are right for everyone. We are grant-funded and provide free assistance to anyone in Wyoming who needs help navigating the health care system or health insurance coverage. We have no sales targets and do not make commissions. We are simply here to help you. Enroll Wyoming’s 14-member team is available and eager to meet anyone who needs help, and that help will come on your terms.
The Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) is a great option for those who qualify, as subsidies such as premium tax credits significantly reduce costs. Market coverage is comfortable for the same health insurance that Blue Cross Blue Shield and Mountain Health Co-Op sell in the private market. Savings are based on income. Low-income people will pay significantly less, and many will have access to packages that offer free monthly premiums. www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/# and answer a few questions to get an estimate of the cost of coverage. Wyoming Navigators are experts in health insurance and insurance plan enrollment assistance Marketplace. The whole process usually takes a little over an hour.
The deadlines for applying for coverage are fast approaching. For health insurance that begins February 1, 2023, an application must be completed by midnight, January 15, 2023. After January 15, most people will not be able to enroll for coverage in 2023 and will have to wait until January of 2024 for coverage to begin. Those interested in scheduling a free appointment to review options can go to www.enrollwyo.org/contact and contact the Register Wyoming navigator in your area of Wyoming.
Over the years, many people in Wyoming have looked into Marketplace’s plans and either didn’t qualify or saw higher prices than expected. Prices are lower than they have been for most years, and there are now two companies offering packages, which means there is some competition. I strongly encourage people to schedule a free appointment with a Register Wyoming Navigator if they want another look at what it will cost. Most people we work with are happy with what is on offer, especially when they see the total price of the plan compared to what they will pay after the subsidies take effect.
We also encourage people to think outside the box when it comes to traditional health insurance. Many small businesses and nonprofits have been unable to afford group health insurance for their employees. There are many ways to help both bosses and employees in these situations.
Finally, those looking for health insurance should keep a close eye out for scams and impostor websites. There are two surefire ways to make sure you’re not a victim: use a Register Wyoming browser or go directly to www.healthcare.gov. Please do not use Google to search for health insurance; you will almost certainly end up getting scammed.
Wyoming’s role in helping the people of Wyoming with affordable access to quality health care is something I am very proud of. That being said, there are so many people in Wyoming who are unaware of our services and missing out on their opportunity for affordable coverage. If you know someone who doesn’t have health insurance or needs additional help, please put them in touch with us.