Here are a few key things to remember:
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If you are currently enrolled in coverage through the Marketplace, you do not have to sign up again and will be automatically re-enrolled. However, I encourage you to take a look at the plans available to see if you can get a better deal or a plan that better fits your health care needs.
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If you do not currently have coverage, you must apply by December 15 in order to get coverage beginning January 1. If you apply past the 15th of the month, your coverage begins the first day of the second following month.
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You may qualify for a special enrollment period outside of open enrollment in the following circumstances:
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You change your job
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Your income changes
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You turn 26 and leave your parents plan
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You move your residence
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You have a baby or adopt a child
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You get married or divorced.
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There are several ways to apply for coverage on the exchange. These include :
- Over the phone by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.
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Online at HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov
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In-person. Find people in your community trained and certified to help you enroll at Localhelp.HealthCare.gov
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Paper application. You can get a paper application by calling the Marketplace Call Center of downloading a copy from HealthCare.gov.
Updates to the HealthCare.gov website now allow you to shop for and compare plans before submitting an application and have streamlined the application process. Further, the website has been improved to allow for many more users than are expected in order to avoid the frustrating wait times that some experienced during last year's enrollment process. I will continue to monitor the operation of the site to ensure that all Iowans who want to purchase or change their insurance are able to do so.
As always, please feel free to contact my office if you need any assistance as you consider your options and apply for health care coverage.
Sincerely,
Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District
