NEW HANOVER COUNTY — As North Carolina implements major changes to how Medicaid works, county officials aim to help residents navigate new options. At the same time, it’s also open enrollment for the federal healthcare marketplace and Medicare.
According to Tonya Jackson, assistant director of social services, ‘Medicaid transformation’ will allow beneficiaries to chose one of five plans, instead of just receiving default benefits. Under the new plan, recipients who don’t choose an option will be assigned one — but if it doesn’t work out, recipients have about 90 days to pick another, different plan.
Enrollment is currently open and runs through December 13. Jackson said the county is offering free, walk-in assistance for those looking to find the best plans. There is an on-site broker to help navigate options; interested recipients can find assistance and direction in the lobby of the Health and Human Services building at 1650 Greenfield St. in Wilmington.
The county is also hosting two same-day enrollment fairs, also held at the Health and Human Services building. County officials will have information, as well as computer terminals and sign-ups. According to Jackson, people can show up, sign-up, and leave with coverage.
The first event is Saturday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With a second event on Tuesday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Interested parties can also call an assistance hotline at 1-833-870-5500 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Additional information and enrollment access are available online.
Healthcare marketplace, Medicare
The federal healthcare marketplace opened Friday for people who purchase their own health insurance rather than through an employer, Medicaid or Medicare. Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans ends on December 7. Information is available online.
It’s also open enrollment for Medicare for those 65 or older, or those receiving social security benefits. The enrollment period ends on December 15.
For those looking for more information, or assistance picking a plan, there’s a free nationwide hotline at 1-855-408-1212. Jackson encourages those looking to enroll in Medicare to have any medication they take handy when they call because medication costs will play a key role in selecting an appropriate plan.
