Trying to sign up on Healthcare.gov

[hamsterjill]

I stipulate and agree that I’m a complete idiot where health insurance is concerned, but this is way more difficult that it should be. I must be doing something wrong.

I’m in Texas and pulled up plans. One that I found has no doctor within more than two hours from my location. I’m in San Antonio and the nearest doctor shows in Houston. How in the hell does that help?

There are agents listed that can help in my zip code. I’ve called every single one and none of them understand questions. They tell ME to find the plan I want. Shouldn’t it be their job to help find one suitable - like one that has a doctor in my vicinity.

I am immensely frustrated and quite frankly scared to death of paying and having nothing in return.

God, Bernie is right!!!!

[murielm99]

1. Get some help.

Do you have any computer savvy children or friends? I helped my brother.

[LizBeth]

2. Call Affordable Care at 1-800-318-2596. I called the first time, and they help me enroll.

They are very good. Whenever I cannot do on line I call and I have always been able to take care of it.

[blm]

5. ✔️✔️✔️

[blm]

3. You might want to call your county Dem party.

Back when Dems were helping roll out ACA, they trained county Dems to help their citizens navigate the enrollment site. They may still have people around who are familiar with it.

It might be worth the time for you to call or visit the office.

[hamsterjill]

11. Thank you. I'll try that.

Appreciate the suggestion.

[Diamond_Dog]

4. When I signed up for a Marketplace policy

I was as confused as heck, too. Don’t feel bad! My advice is make an appointment with an “insurance navigator”. He or she can cut through all the confusion and help you choose and sign up for a plan. It’s free. Google “insurance navigators in my area”. I would never have been able to do it myself at home. Good luck!

[hamsterjill]

7. That's what I did.

The site has where you can type in your zip code and it comes up with a list of people to help. There were seven in my zip code and I’ve talked to every one by now. They don’t know any more than I do.

Do people just pay for insurance not knowing which doctors accept the insurance, what hospital you can go to if you need surgery, etc. That is priority one for me. I called my doctor’s office and even they couldn’t answer if they took any of the plans.

I hear others in other states raving about the ACA, so am I just screwed because I’m in podunk Texas????

[Diamond_Dog]

12. Good grief,

Those people should know that stuff! Unbelievable.

I went to see a navigator ... he said I can basically narrow everything down for you with three questions. Are you male or female, where do you live, and do you smoke. Then he pulled up 5 plans. I chose the one plan because my current doctor accepted it. (The navigator was able to tell me). It is Care Source. He was an immense help. I’m sorry those navigators did not help you more! I can imagine you must be beyond frustrated.

[hamsterjill]

14. What state are you in?

I seriously think a lot of this is because I’m in Texas. I have literally heard people in other states singing the praises of the ACA, but I think Texas has never taken it seriously.

[Diamond_Dog]

18. Ohio.

I really only had a choice of 2 hospitals where I live, so the doctor was the important part for me.

[Treefrog]

6. Can you do it now? I thought there were specific times to do so, and I thought it was done for this

year?

[SoonerPride]

8. Biden reopened the enrollment through 5/15

Special enrollment period due to pandemic and job losses. Etc.

[hamsterjill]

9. And some is extended to August 15th now.

Not sure of the particulars, but I did learn that much today.

[SoonerPride]

13. Did you get enrolled?

If not PM me.

I am an insurance broker in Oklahoma also licensed in Texas. I may be able to help you.

I enroll lots of people in Oklahoma.

[hamsterjill]

15. Not yet.

Thank you!!!! I will send you a PM in a bit. I’m leaving for a bit in a few minutes.

[SoonerPride]

16. OK. I am here until 5 and will be back by 9am tomorrow too.

[hamsterjill]

17. Thank you.

n/t

[Treefrog]

10. That is GREAT to hear! Somehow I missed that but haven't been keeping up with the news.

Yay President Biden!

[Native]

19. And he raised the maximum income figure. I never, ever qualified, now I save $250 ea month.

[SoonerPride]

20. Since oyu now get a subsidy did oyu also get the enhanced Native Ameican benefit plan?

Many of my Native American clients who get subsidies also qualify for enhanced benefits like $0 deductible and $0 out of pocket plans.

Depends on lots of factors though.

[XanaDUer2]

21. We need single payer

sorry you're having a difficult time

[hamsterjill]

22. Thank you.

Yes we do!!! The stress and turmoil from healthcare - whether it be for someone looking for coverage, or even worse yet, someone trying to fight an illness, needs to be removed from the fabric of American life.

We as a nation have the ability to do better and it's high time that Americans start demanding it.