Synergy - March/April 2014 - 20

industry feature

Now is
the Time:

Tell One Person about
HealthCare.gov
By Mary K. Wakefield, PhD, RN

M

edical staff professionals and
credentialers are keenly aware of
the importance of ensuring patients
have access to high-quality care. As members
of the healthcare community, NAMSS
members are uniquely positioned to help
ensure that people in your communities
have access to healthcare by having health
insurance coverage. You can make the
difference to that one person or family who
learns about affordable coverage through the
new Health Insurance Marketplace at
HealthCare.gov and enrolls because of the
information that you helped to pass on.
Millions of individuals and families across
the country are gaining access to health
insurance coverage, in some instances, for
the first time. Newly insured individuals will
no longer need to rely on the emergency
room for their primary healthcare needs,
but instead will be able to receive care
that keeps them healthy in the first place
and treats acute and chronic conditions.
Some individuals and families may qualify
for assistance with the purchase of health
insurance coverage.
Even with the enrollment successes to date,
we know that millions more Americans are
yet to enroll. Many are simply unaware
of the benefits for which they are now
eligible. The current open enrollment period
ends March 31, 2014. Only by enrolling
in coverage by then will individuals be
assured of healthcare coverage through the
Marketplace in 2014-coverage that protects
against costs associated with unexpected
illness or injury or for important routine care.
In a straightforward, but incredibly important
way, you can make a difference to the health
of your neighbors, community members,
or even someone in your own family: You
can help ensure that the uninsured and
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SYNERGY MARCH/APRIL 2014

underinsured individuals know they can access
affordable coverage through the new Health
Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
As we approach the end of the open
enrollment period for this year, I encourage
you to Tell One Person about the new
coverage opportunities made available
through HealthCare.gov.
At HRSA, we have pulled together a website
of useful resources for healthcare providers
to make it as easy as possible to get
information at hrsa.gov/affordablecareact.
Now is the time to Tell One Person. Please
help me spread the word by sharing this
information with your family, friends, and
others in your community. Together, we can
make a difference by helping others access
the healthcare they need, when they need
it. The first step is getting covered. ■

Mary K. Wakefield, PhD, RN,
is an administrator with the
Health Resources and Services
Administration U.S. Department
of Health and Human Resources.

Where to Look for
More Information
Consumers can go online to
HealthCare.gov to shop for
coverage 24/7 from their kitchen
table, living room, library, or
anywhere they can access
the internet.
They can call the Marketplace toll-free
at 1-800-318-2596, any time.
In-person assistance may be found
in many communities across the
country. Find help in your local
community by visiting LocalHelp at
HealthCare.gov.
Consumers can apply by mail by
downloading the paper application
from HealthCare.gov.
And finally, they can work directly
with a health insurance issuer, agent
or broker.

http://www.healthcare.gov http://www.HealthCare.gov http://www.HealthCare.gov http://www.HealthCare.gov http://www.HealthCare.gov http://www.HealthCare.gov http://www.hrsa.gov/affordablecareact http://www.HealthCare.gov http://www.HealthCare.gov

Synergy - March/April 2014

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