First State healthcare navigators are gearing up to help answer questions during the upcoming open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act coverage November 1 through December 15.
Federal funding for ACA marketing material is down 90 percent this year.
“Commercials on local channels were big on TV, they also had a reach with some billboards and online ads," said Maggie Norris-Bent, Westside Family Healthcare’s Director of External Affairs.
She says because of that, states like Delaware are taking a more grassroots approach to spreading the word about the November 1start date for Obamacare open enrollment, with a big focus on social media and word of mouth this year.
But funding for Delaware’s healthcare navigators remains in tact. Westside enrollment specialist Sara Cruz says Westside will be holding three statewide enrollment events the first three Saturdays in November, with navigators speaking English, Spanish, Creole and Haitian on hand to answer questions.
“Really we feel that there will be more people who turn up just to get their questions answered, to see how it effects their own premium personally," Cruz said.
According to a Highmark spokesperson, those who receive subsidies can expect a premium decrease while those who don’t – should expect to see an increase.
For example, a 40-year-old non-smoker who didn’t receive a subsidy and paid $480 per month in 2017 can expect to pay $573 for the same plan in 2018.
On the other hand, a 40-year-old smoker with a $30,000 income who paid $264 per month including subsidy in 2017 can expect to pay $186 for that same premium in 2018.
Those without healthcare coverage will still face a penalty of either 2.5 percent of total household income or up to $695 per person, whichever is higher. Cruz says there is a cap of $2,085 per person.
"That is another question people have, they hear a lot of talk about the ending of the federal mandate," she said. "And some do think that this coming tax year for 2017, they won’t have to pay that fine. But that federal mandate is still is effect for this year."
Highmark is also the only insurance provider offering plans on Delaware’s marketplace this year.
This open enrollment period will be the shortest sign-up period yet, so Cruz and Norris-Bent are encouraging residents to sign up early. Below is a list of the three statewide enrollment dates. Those who can't make one of those times can call to schedule an appointment with a navigator at or make an appointment here. www.choosehealthde.com.
New Castle County
Saturday, November 4
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wilmington Public Library
10 E 10th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Kent County
Saturday, November 11
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Dover Public Library 35
E Loockerman St, Dover, DE 19901
Sussex County
Saturday, November 18
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Milford Public Library
11 S E Front St, Milford, DE 19963
