Thrive Allen County provides assistance for consumers (individuals, families, small businesses) seeking health insurance, through our Navigator program, which helps people sign up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
Thrive is known as THE go-to place for Navigator assistance. Our Navigators have helped to reduce Allen County’s uninsured rate from 21% in 2013 to 10% in 2016. Over four Open Enrollments our Navigators have seen more than 1,000 people, assisting consumers with applications, enrollment into insurance plans and educating them on how to understand and utilize their insurance plans.
Our certified Marketplace Navigators have undergone extensive training to assist you with learning about your health insurance options, and in applying for and choosing health insurance coverage that meets your needs.
If you need help, please contact Thrive at info@thriveallencounty.org or 620-365-8128. Our services are FREE, and they are open to everyone.
Learn more: Improving Healthcare Access in Allen County Kansas
Now is the time to explore your health coverage options
In Kansas, you can access the Health Insurance Marketplace by visiting healthcare.gov. At healthcare.gov you’ll learn about the available plans and rates for your area. You can also estimate your out-of-pocket costs by answering a few questions about your household.
The Marketplace will be open in fall 2018. Call Thrive Allen County to schedule your appointment at 620-365-8128 or email greta.ingle@thriveallencounty.org.
You may be able to get coverage outside the open enrollment period if you have certain life changes — like getting married, having a baby, losing other coverage, or moving — or if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. Call 620-365-8128 for more information.
Get Ready to Enroll: What will you need to apply and enroll?
When enrolling, you will be asked for basic information about your family and household. Make sure to gather the following information before you apply.
- Names, birth dates and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household.
- Your projected household income.
- Tax information, such as filing status and number of dependents.
- Immigration documentation and supporting identification numbers.
- Completed Employer Coverage Tool form, which can be downloaded from healthcare.gov.
- If you plan to submit an online application, you will need an email address and the associated password to create an online Marketplace account. Your Navigator or certified assister can help you create an email address if you do not have one.
Penalty for Not Having Coverage
If you can afford health insurance but choose not to purchase any, you must have a health coverage exemption or you may pay a penalty, also known as a fine or individual responsibility payment. The fee is calculated two different ways – as a percentage of your household income, and per person. You’ll pay whichever is higher.
For more information, visit: healthcare.gov/fee-exemptions