Altru Health System and HERO, the system’s Health Care Eligibility Resource Options program, is holding two events to help residents sign up for health insurance.
Customers can attend the events to compare options and see if they qualify for free or reduced-cost health plans. Certified application counselors from Altru will be available to help, according to a news release.
“We are here to help people enroll and also help re-enroll,” said Jill Cormier, a patient advocacy supervisor at Altru.
The events will be held noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Altru Business Center, 2401 DeMers Ave., and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Altru Hospital, 1300 South Columbia Road, in rooms C, D, F and G.
Open enrollment began Sunday and ends Jan. 31. New customers can sign up for 2016 health insurance coverage now and avoid a potential fine, which they can incur if they don’t enroll by the Jan. 31 deadline.
This year, the fine for missing the deadline was $325 per adult. In 2016, the fine increases to $695 per adult, or 2 percent of their household income, whichever is higher.
“We’re trying to help people avoid the fine,” Cormier said. “Health care costs are also rising, which is inevitable, and with (Altru) being transparent with its costs,—we let our patients know what the procedure is going to cost prior to them having it done—we want patients to be able to make an informed decision.”
Altru’s HERO program screens uninsured or underinsured patients to help them find affordable coverage, whether through community medical assistance programs, hospital-funded charity care or other avenues. Cormier said it’s important for people to know that counselors at the events are certified and will help residents apply for help beyond Altru’s internal programs.
New customers should bring financial information, such as their tax return, a pay stub, and W-2 form, as well as an ID card. Social Security numbers or document numbers are required for legal immigrants.
