The open enrollment period for health insurance in Tennessee has begun. Tennesseans have until January 15 to sign up, but if you want your coverage to begin January 1, the deadline is December 15.
“The start of open enrollment is a chance for more people to access affordable health coverage,” said Mayor John Cooper at the Family & Children’s Services ‘Get Covered Tennessee Open Enrollment Open House,’ where information was shared about the services they provide.
Get Covered Tennessee is a state-wide team of experts led by Family & Children’s Service that help Tennesseans find quality healthcare through affordable insurance, access to community-based healthcare services, or both. Their services are free and unbiased.
The Nashville-based nonprofit agency’s efforts are aligned with the Nashville Mayor’s Office in its efforts to encourage healthy residents by advocating preventative healthcare and healthy lifestyles.
“The Get Covered Tennessee team provides free assistance to traditionally underserved families and individuals in Tennessee who need health insurance and may feel like they can’t afford it,” said the agency in a release.
“New this year is that many more families are now eligible for Marketplace than ever before due to the ‘family glitch’ being resolved, allowing for a larger number of people eligible than in previous years. These families need to be informed of their eligibility. Now, if a family has to pay more than 9.12% (in 2023) of household income for the employer-sponsored plan, they will potentially be eligible for premium tax credits in the Marketplace.”
This year, the healthcare marketplace in Tenn. will offer seven different insurers that are available for 2023, including: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Cigna, Oscar, Bright, Celtic/Ambetter, United Healthcare, and with the addition of a new company—Ascension US Health & Life. Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage is often an especially advantageous choice for lower and middle-class families concerned about whether or not they can afford health insurance.
Health insurance through <www.HealthCare.gov> is often more affordable than many people think. Of new enrollees, many obtained coverage for less than $10 per month, and 91% of new enrollees received financial help that lowered their monthly health insurance premiums.
For more information about the federal insurance marketplace, the open enrollment period, or <www.GetCoveredTenn.org>, call 866-475-7879 or visit <www.getcoveredtenn.org>. For more information about Family & Children’s Service, visit <www.fcsnashville.org>. Alternatively, consumers not needing assistance can enroll in insurance products through the <www.HealthCare.gov> federal insurance enrollment website.
