Resources for Your Health – InsuranceNewsNet

HEALTH GRACE

BY JOCELYNE SMITH Have you figured out how to get food, heat and health insurance to cover you for the coming winter months?

As Resource Defender for Grace Cottage Family Health and Hospital, I get a lot of questions about these needs. I would like to offer here some information that can help you.

First, I want to alert you that now is the time of year to purchase health insurance through Vermont Health Connect (VHC). The open enrollment period for these plans is November 1, 2022through January 15, 2023.

You may think you can’t afford this insurance. I suggest you take a fresh look at what VHC has to offer. Funding from the American Rescue Plan helped reduce the rates of health insurance available through VHC. The plans are income sensitive and I find that my clients are pleasantly surprised with what is offered.

Most uninsured Vermonters say they don’t have coverage because they can’t afford it.

Vermont Health Access, the government department that oversees Vermont Health Connect, released the following statement on its website: “Most Vermonters are finding qualified health plans more affordable than ever thanks to expanded federal financial assistance…The Reduced premium costs allow Vermonters to afford plans that have lower deductibles and lower out-of-pocket expenses. »

Full details on available plans can be viewed at VermontHealthConnect.gov.

There’s a plan comparison tool on the homepage of the website, and if you want help, that’s my job. I help people understand their choices and I help them register.

It’s always a good idea to confirm that your current Medicare drug plan (Part D) will still cover your specific medications and preferred pharmacy next year. These plans may change the amount they will cover as well as which pharmacies you can use. Premiums can increase significantly from year to year. Medicare.gov is a great tool to use to see what’s available for next year. If you need help with the process, give me a call! I can explain the site to you and walk you through it, or you can make an appointment with me. Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

I can also help Grace Cottage patients register for free or discounted care. We don’t want you to avoid health care for fear of not being able to afford it. Call me at 802-365-3770. Our revenue guidelines have recently increased so please if you are having difficulty with bills call me to discuss whether or not you qualify for a reduction or just need to put in place a bill payment plan you’re comfortable with.

It’s important for me to say that I never push people to take something they don’t want. I am a Resource Defender, and as such I provide information, but never pressure you. You are still responsible. I offer you choices, and you choose what you want to do with them. My main goal is to make sure no one misses out because they don’t know what resources are available.

I am also here to help you with the required paperwork, which admittedly can be quite daunting when faced on your own. Because I do it all the time, it’s much easier to do it in teams of two. Fuel assistance, reduced utility rates, affordable housing and more – are just some of the programs that can help. If you have a need, please give me a call, and we’ll work it out together, or I’ll put you in touch with an agency that can help you better.

Now, when it comes to food resources, did you know that Grace Cottage runs a monthly “Veggie Van Go” Food distribution program in Newfane Church at the back of Newfane Common? Any local resident can come between noon and 1 p.m., usually the fourth Thursday of the month. For November and December the dates are Tuesday, November 29and Thursday, December 22.

“Vegetarian Van Go” offers fresh fruits and vegetables, and sometimes bread, dairy or meat, all for free. This food is provided by the Vermont Food Bank. Plus, the Town-shend Food Shelf is open every Monday night for anyone in need of food. hours are 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m..

Don’t hesitate to ask for help with these resources – they’re vital to your health! I am ready, willing and able to help. Please pass this information on to anyone who might benefit from it.

Jocelyn Smith is authorized with Vermont Health Connect to enroll Vermont residents in Medicaid and Vermont Health Connect plans.

Most uninsured Vermonters say they don’t have coverage because they can’t afford it.