Enroll Wyoming Project Manager Jason Mincer
Enroll Wyoming provides free assistance and information to eliminate confusion
I have worked in public health for nearly 20 years, and one of the top concerns that always comes up is access to quality healthcare at an affordable price. Fast forward to today, where I’m proud to lead the Enroll Wyoming program, where we focused on this topic, specifically.
Enroll Wyoming is a non-profit organization whose mission is to find those who need health care and health insurance and help them find solutions that work for each individual situation. We are funded by grants and provide free assistance to anyone in Wyoming who needs help navigating the health care system or health insurance coverage. We don’t have sales targets and we don’t make a commission. We are simply here to help. Enroll Wyoming’s 14-member team is available and willing to meet with anyone who wants assistance, and that assistance will be provided on their terms.
The Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) is a great solution for those who qualify because subsidies, like premium tax credits, significantly lower the cost. Marketplace coverage is convenient for the same health insurance that Blue Cross Blue Shield and Mountain Health Co-Op sell in the private marketplace. Savings are based on income. People with lower incomes will pay much less, and many will have access to plans that have free monthly premiums. Visit www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/# and answer a few questions to see an estimate of the cost of coverage. Enroll Wyoming navigators are experts in health insurance and help enroll in Marketplace insurance plans. The entire process usually takes just over an hour.
The deadlines to enroll in coverage are fast approaching. For health insurance beginning February 1, 2023, an application must be completed by midnight January 15, 2023. After January 15, most people will not be able to enroll for coverage in 2023 and will have to to wait until January 2024 for coverage to begin. Those interested in scheduling a free appointment to review options can go to www.enrollwyo.org/contact and contact the Enroll Wyoming Navigator in their Wyoming region.
Over the years, many people in Wyoming have researched Marketplace plans and either didn’t qualify or saw higher prices than they expected. Prices are lower than they have been in most years, and there are now two companies offering plans, which means there is some competition. I highly recommend people make a free appointment with an Enroll Wyoming Navigator if they want to see again how much it will cost. Most of the people we’re working with are happy with what’s on offer, especially when they see the full price of the plan versus what they’ll pay after the subsidies go into effect.
We also encourage people to think outside the box about traditional health insurance. Many small businesses and nonprofit organizations have been unable to afford group health insurance for their employees. There are many ways we can help both managers and employees in these situations.
As a final reminder, those looking for health insurance should be on the lookout for scams and imposter websites. There are two surefire ways to make sure you are not a victim: use Enroll Wyoming Navigator or go directly to www.healthcare.gov. Don’t use Google to search for health insurance; you will almost certainly end up getting scammed.
Enroll Wyoming’s role in helping Wyoming people with affordable access to quality health care is something I take pride in. That being said, there are so many Wyomingans unaware of our services and missing out on affordable coverage. If you know someone who doesn’t have health insurance or needs extra help, please contact us.
