Assistance For Healthcare Enrollment At Jefferson Memorial Hospital

Residents who need health care coverage will be able to find answers to their questions about the Affordable Care Act and other assistance at Jefferson Memorial Hospital.

The Jefferson County League of Women Voters in cooperation with Jefferson Memorial Hospital and the Tennessee Health Care Campaign (THCC) will be at the Hospital on Thursday, November 21, from 4-8 p.m., and again on Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., to answer questions and help with applications for health insurance coverage.

Those who will benefit the most are working families and individuals with some income, but no insurance. Individuals with incomes of between $11,490/yr. and $45,960/yr. will be eligible for a subsidy if they do not have insurance or their premiums are not affordable. Family size and income determine the amount of subsidy on a sliding scale. For example, a family of four can qualify for a subsidy, if their household income is between $23,550/yr. and $94,200/yr.

More than 3,000 Jefferson County residents are eligible for the insurance subsidies to help pay for their premiums and many will qualify for low co-pays and deductibles. “The biggest problem is that people don’t know they are eligible,” said Linda Lawson one of the League of Women Voters-THCC volunteers helping to coordinate enrollment at the Hospital.

Tennessee chose not to accept funds for expanding Medicaid; therefore, those with the lowest incomes are not eligible for subsidies. While some children and their parents may still qualify for TennCare, many low income adults will not receive any financial assistance.

The Affordable Care Act insurance on the Marketplace is only for those who do not have Medicare, Tri-care or affordable employer insurance. Residents wishing to enroll are encouraged to bring tax forms or pay check stubs and any current health insurance plan information.

More information about the new Health Care law is available online at www.healthcare.gov.

The League of Women Voters volunteers are non-paid and are not Health Care Navigators or Certified Application Counselors.