“Millions of Americans now have health insurance through the Marketplace. But there are still many more who may not have enrolled because the Marketplace system seems to hard to understand. In order to raise awareness and understanding of how the Marketplace works, the Denver Regional Office of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering Health Insurance Marketplace 101 webinars.
Learn about the Marketplace every Tuesday at 1:00 PM Mountain / 2:00 PM Central Time throughout the Open Enrollment Period. Registration is not required, and please use the information below to connect to the session you would like to attend. The following dates in 2014: Nov. 18, Nov. 24, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23, Jan. 13, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10.
Webinar URL: https://webinar.cms.hhs.gov/r7oud6z8611/; Audio Line: 1-877-267-1577; Meeting ID: 996 498 512.” [Source: CCHI]
Showing posts with label Health Insurance Marketplace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health Insurance Marketplace. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Webinars in English and Spanish on the Health Insurance Marketplace
“These webinars are co-sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families and the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Click here to learn more about each webinar.
- Latinos and the Health Insurance Marketplace (Spanish) – January 11th, 1:00pm MT
- How to Enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace – January 15th, 11:00am MT
- How to Enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace – February 4th, 1:00pm MT
- Questions and Answers on the ACA – January 30th, 1:00pm MT
- Questions and Answers on the ACA – February 20th, 11:00am MT” [Source: COPrevent]
Monday, November 4, 2013
Connect for Health Colorado CEO says state health exchange off to a good start
A message from Connect for Health Colorado Chief Executive Officer Patty Fontneau on the first month of operations for the Colorado’s health exchange:
“Today [Nov. 1st] marks the end of our first month since opening Colorado’s health insurance marketplace and I am pleased to report that interest has been strong and we have been busy helping Coloradans shop for health insurance. Thousands of Coloradans are visiting our website every day to compare health plans, learn about their options, apply for financial assistance and enroll. Our Customer Service Center has seen high demand, servicing close to 30,000 phone calls to date. More than 50,000 Coloradans have created accounts with the intent to buy health insurance and more than 3,000 have signed up already. We are quickly resolving technical issues that arise and are working hard every day to improve our operations, customer service and support for our statewide network of certified health insurance agents/brokers and Health Coverage Guides who are on the front lines assisting our customers.
Following the direction set by a 2011 state law, we created a unique service for Colorado through a website and support network that is completely separate from the federal marketplace. It’s important for Coloradans to know that our Marketplace has been operating successfully and has been built specifically for our state. As one Eagle County customer who enrolled in health insurance that will cost her $132 a month with a tax credit: “It worked out great for me. Colorado really has it together.
Click here to read more on 10 facts about how Connect for Health Colorado is working for Colorado.” [Source: COPrevent]
“Today [Nov. 1st] marks the end of our first month since opening Colorado’s health insurance marketplace and I am pleased to report that interest has been strong and we have been busy helping Coloradans shop for health insurance. Thousands of Coloradans are visiting our website every day to compare health plans, learn about their options, apply for financial assistance and enroll. Our Customer Service Center has seen high demand, servicing close to 30,000 phone calls to date. More than 50,000 Coloradans have created accounts with the intent to buy health insurance and more than 3,000 have signed up already. We are quickly resolving technical issues that arise and are working hard every day to improve our operations, customer service and support for our statewide network of certified health insurance agents/brokers and Health Coverage Guides who are on the front lines assisting our customers.
Following the direction set by a 2011 state law, we created a unique service for Colorado through a website and support network that is completely separate from the federal marketplace. It’s important for Coloradans to know that our Marketplace has been operating successfully and has been built specifically for our state. As one Eagle County customer who enrolled in health insurance that will cost her $132 a month with a tax credit: “It worked out great for me. Colorado really has it together.
Click here to read more on 10 facts about how Connect for Health Colorado is working for Colorado.” [Source: COPrevent]
Monday, October 7, 2013
Connect for Health Colorado Updates – Shopping and Enrollment has Begun!
“On October 1st, we opened Colorado’s new health insurance marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses, offering 242 health plans from 11 carriers, and a broad statewide Customer Support Network to personally assist shoppers. Both the English and Spanish websites went live just before 8:00 am. The first day of operations saw tremendous consumer interest and quick responses to operational issues to improve responsiveness and personalized customer support.
Individuals, families and small businesses can look at their health insurance options and shop for coverage that will take effect as early as January 1, 2014, if you sign up by December 15. Open enrollment continues until March 31, 2014. Individuals and families can choose from up to 150 private health insurance plans from ten carriers and small employers can create small group plans from up to 92 health insurance plans provided by six carriers. New financial assistance, based on income, will be available to nearly 500,000 Coloradans to reduce costs. Shoppers can buy insurance today and claim a tax credit on their taxes or apply for an advance tax credit to use up-front to reduce the monthly premium.
From videos to County Snapshots and a tax credit calculator, the Marketplace offers many ways for Coloradans to learn about their options. Our new Customer Service Center has expanded hours, so Coloradans can reach a Customer Service Center Representative by phone from 7 am to 8 pm, Mondays through Saturdays, at 1-855-PLANS-4-YOU (855-752-6749). On our website, you can locate an Assistance Site near you for in-person assistance, and find a list of more than 1,400 certified licensed health insurance agents and brokers for advice and support.
Individuals, families and small businesses can look at their health insurance options and shop for coverage that will take effect as early as January 1, 2014, if you sign up by December 15. Open enrollment continues until March 31, 2014. Individuals and families can choose from up to 150 private health insurance plans from ten carriers and small employers can create small group plans from up to 92 health insurance plans provided by six carriers. New financial assistance, based on income, will be available to nearly 500,000 Coloradans to reduce costs. Shoppers can buy insurance today and claim a tax credit on their taxes or apply for an advance tax credit to use up-front to reduce the monthly premium.
From videos to County Snapshots and a tax credit calculator, the Marketplace offers many ways for Coloradans to learn about their options. Our new Customer Service Center has expanded hours, so Coloradans can reach a Customer Service Center Representative by phone from 7 am to 8 pm, Mondays through Saturdays, at 1-855-PLANS-4-YOU (855-752-6749). On our website, you can locate an Assistance Site near you for in-person assistance, and find a list of more than 1,400 certified licensed health insurance agents and brokers for advice and support.
Here’s a recap of the busy first day as of 8 pm on October 1:
- Unique website visitors: 79,000
- Total web page hits: 12 million
- Calls and chats with Customer Service Center Representatives: 3,700
- Accounts created: 5,500
- Average call wait time: 3 minutes 49 seconds
Open Enrollment Campaign
Our new open enrollment campaign begins this week as well, and will build in the coming weeks. This campaign features new television and radio spots, as well as print ads, billboards, online and mobile promotions, and grassroots outreach. You can view some of our television spots, videos in English and Spanish, and a new PSA from local comedian Josh Blue, on our Youtube channel. [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]
Our new open enrollment campaign begins this week as well, and will build in the coming weeks. This campaign features new television and radio spots, as well as print ads, billboards, online and mobile promotions, and grassroots outreach. You can view some of our television spots, videos in English and Spanish, and a new PSA from local comedian Josh Blue, on our Youtube channel. [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
The Marketplace – October 1 and HCPF Employees
“As you may know, Connect for Health Colorado, also referred to as the Marketplace, will be open on October 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small businesses to shop, compare and select the health insurance plan that makes sense for them. You may have seen some of the advertisements on TV, in print or on the sides of RTD buses. Previous marketing efforts by Connect for Health Colorado have been aimed at achieving name recognition and awareness of the coming launch. Newer advertisements will encourage consumers to purchase health insurance through the Marketplace.
The Client Services, Eligibility and Enrollment Office has been working diligently to ensure that our eligibility system and Connect for Health Colorado’s system have as seamless a connection as possible. The Department has been providing training to county workers on the new eligibility rules, CBMS and PEAK systems. We have been partnering with the Marketplace on their training for their brokers, agents, Colorado health guides and assistance sites. The launch of the Marketplace and the coming Medicaid expansion bring together public and private health systems in new ways and has been months of hard work with our partners at Connect for Health Colorado. While we don’t know exactly what to expect when the Marketplace opens in October, we do know that the systems will continue to evolve and improve over time.
Day 1 Plans
We will have at least one HCPF employee on site at almost all of the 10 largest county offices in order to work directly with eligibility workers in case problems arise. Small and medium counties will receive a dedicated Eligibility Division contact person who will support through daily phone calls and email. The Medicaid Eligibility inbox and Help Desk will be available to all sites.” [Source: HCPF]
- Enrollment and payment is due no later than December 15th for the first date of coverage in the Marketplace, which is January 1, 2014.
- Coverage through expanded Medicaid eligibility does not begin until January 1, 2014.
The Client Services, Eligibility and Enrollment Office has been working diligently to ensure that our eligibility system and Connect for Health Colorado’s system have as seamless a connection as possible. The Department has been providing training to county workers on the new eligibility rules, CBMS and PEAK systems. We have been partnering with the Marketplace on their training for their brokers, agents, Colorado health guides and assistance sites. The launch of the Marketplace and the coming Medicaid expansion bring together public and private health systems in new ways and has been months of hard work with our partners at Connect for Health Colorado. While we don’t know exactly what to expect when the Marketplace opens in October, we do know that the systems will continue to evolve and improve over time.
Day 1 Plans
We will have at least one HCPF employee on site at almost all of the 10 largest county offices in order to work directly with eligibility workers in case problems arise. Small and medium counties will receive a dedicated Eligibility Division contact person who will support through daily phone calls and email. The Medicaid Eligibility inbox and Help Desk will be available to all sites.” [Source: HCPF]
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
New Colorado.Gov/Health Website
Colorado.Gov/Health has a new website to help Coloradans prepare for health insurance changes in Colorado. "We're here to help you find answers to your questions about the new health care laws and what they mean to you. We put the resources you need at your fingertips so you don't have to navigate multiple state agencies websites." [Source: colorado.gov/health]
Monday, September 16, 2013
People with Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace
"How do you best respond to questions from Medicare beneficiaries about the new Health Insurance Marketplace? Please share this fact sheet from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
These FAQs are designed to reassure people with Medicare that the Health Insurance Marketplace won’t affect their Medicare coverage. Please share and distribute this information widely with your Aging Network." [Source: COPrevent]
These FAQs are designed to reassure people with Medicare that the Health Insurance Marketplace won’t affect their Medicare coverage. Please share and distribute this information widely with your Aging Network." [Source: COPrevent]
Monday, August 26, 2013
New Report: Who are the Likely Consumers of the Health Insurance Marketplace?
"Thousands of Coloradans will soon begin buying health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s new insurance marketplace. Uninsured Coloradans who will be eligible for subsidies through the marketplace are its most likely users. Colorado’s Health Insurance Marketplace: A Profile of Likely Consumers is a new report based on survey data from the Colorado Health Access Survey (CHAS) that describes the demographic characteristics of this group, and how they currently use health care.
Key findings show:
Key findings show:
- Nearly one in four (24 percent) of those likely to use the marketplace are Hispanic.
- Most Coloradans (70 percent) in this group are employed, with 43 percent working for small businesses of 50 employees or fewer, and 27 percent working for large businesses.
- Only about half of this group reported having a usual source of care, compared to 86 percent of those who are privately insured. Forty-two percent reported they did not visit a doctor when they needed one, because of the high cost. This may mean that Colorado’s health care system could experience a period of pent-up demand once this group is insured.
- Half of the Coloradans in this group have a high school education or less. They will need assistance, education and literacy-appropriate materials to make the best use of the marketplace and the health care system.
- This group may not be prepared to spend as much on health insurance premiums as they will need to spend.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Connect for Health Colorado Updates: Health Insurance Rates and Messaging about Privacy/Security
Health Insurance Rates
"Our partners at the Division of Insurance released information about the rates for health insurance plans that will be offered through Connect for Health Colorado and the outside market in Colorado. These are the rates for health plans that will take effect starting January 1, 2014. The Division of Insurance approved 242 health plans from 13 carriers to be offered through Connect for Health Colorado (150 health plans for individuals and families and 92 health plans for small employers). The Division of Insurance also approved 68 dental plans from 9 carriers to be offered through our Marketplace.
"Our partners at the Division of Insurance released information about the rates for health insurance plans that will be offered through Connect for Health Colorado and the outside market in Colorado. These are the rates for health plans that will take effect starting January 1, 2014. The Division of Insurance approved 242 health plans from 13 carriers to be offered through Connect for Health Colorado (150 health plans for individuals and families and 92 health plans for small employers). The Division of Insurance also approved 68 dental plans from 9 carriers to be offered through our Marketplace.
Visit the DOI website for more information about the health plans that were approved. You can refer questions about health plan rates and the rate review process to Jo Donlin, jo.donlin@state.co.us, 303-894-2950, and Vince Plymell, vincent.plymell@state.co.us, 303-894-2261.
Privacy/Security
The Denver Post published a guest editorial by Patty Fontneau in the August 11 newspaper. We encourage you to use this piece to answer questions about our privacy and security procedures. And please feel free to use this in your communications with your communities." [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]
The Denver Post published a guest editorial by Patty Fontneau in the August 11 newspaper. We encourage you to use this piece to answer questions about our privacy and security procedures. And please feel free to use this in your communications with your communities." [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Medicaid Expansion & the Health Insurance Marketplace
In partnership with Connect for Health Colorado, the Department of Heath Care Policy and Financing convened a series of meetings with stakeholders to discuss the issues related to the movement between public and private coverage through these new programs. The following questions were raised during the series of stakeholder meetings. Click here to review the questions and answers related to the movement between Medicaid and the new health insurance marketplace.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Connect for Health Colorado Updates
- "Connect for Health Colorado was awarded a $116.2 million Level 2 Establishment Grant this week by the Department of Health and Human Services. ED/CEO Patty Fontneau provides an update.
- Connect for Health Colorado is offering an overview webinar about the Small Business Marketplace on Monday, July 22, at 4pm. Learn more.
- The Individual Experience Advisory Group will meet Tuesday, July 23, at 10am. They will be discussing the appeals process. Learn more.
- Our new phone number 855-PLANS-4-YOU (855-752-6749) is available to Coloradans as a resource to get general information about the Marketplace. Please let your community know about this resource.
- Check out the events calendar to see where we will be next in Colorado." [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
HHS Launches Health Insurance Marketplace Educational Tools, Call Center
"The Obama administration on 6/24/13 kicked off the Health Insurance Marketplace education effort with the relaunch of a new, consumer-focused HealthCare.gov website and the 24-hours-a-day consumer call center to help Americans prepare for open enrollment and ultimately sign up for private health insurance. The new tools will help Americans understand their choices and select coverage that best suits their needs when open enrollment in the new Health Insurance Marketplace begins October 1.
'The new website and toll-free number have a simple mission: to make sure every American who needs health coverage has the information they need to make choices that are right for themselves and their families, or their businesses,' said Health Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
For Spanish speaking consumers, CuidadoDeSalud.gov will also be updated to match HealthCare.gov's new consumer focus.
Between now and the start of open enrollment, the Marketplace call center will provide educational information and, beginning October 1, 2013, will assist consumers with application completion and plan selection. In addition to English and Spanish, the call center provides assistance in more than 150 languages through an interpretation and translation service. Customer service representatives are available for assistance via a toll-free number at 1-800-318-2596 and hearing impaired callers using TTY/TDD technology can dial 1-855-889-4325 for assistance." [Source: CCI Voice]
'The new website and toll-free number have a simple mission: to make sure every American who needs health coverage has the information they need to make choices that are right for themselves and their families, or their businesses,' said Health Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
For Spanish speaking consumers, CuidadoDeSalud.gov will also be updated to match HealthCare.gov's new consumer focus.
Between now and the start of open enrollment, the Marketplace call center will provide educational information and, beginning October 1, 2013, will assist consumers with application completion and plan selection. In addition to English and Spanish, the call center provides assistance in more than 150 languages through an interpretation and translation service. Customer service representatives are available for assistance via a toll-free number at 1-800-318-2596 and hearing impaired callers using TTY/TDD technology can dial 1-855-889-4325 for assistance." [Source: CCI Voice]
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