With the revised deadline for the open enrollment period hours away, the African American Health Alliance is encouraging men and women who don't have employee benefits to be sure that they complete their insurance application sooner rather than later.
As noted by the AAHA, based on the terms and conditions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are several scenarios in which individuals who don't have insurance can still apply for coverage without incurring a penalty. This includes those who started the application prior to March 31 but were unable to complete it, people who encountered log-in problems with the HealthCare.gov website, individuals who tried to get help from a navigator but couldn't and those who sent in an application through the postal service.
Fredette West, director of the AAHA, said that if consumers run into problems, they should be able to receive assistance from someone who works at the various exchanges.
"If you are confused or get stuck, call the marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596 for help," said West. "Just don't let time run out on you. Your health is the most valuable thing you own – and, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, you can protect it."
The AAHA noted further that the marketplace call center at the federally facilitated exchange is open around the clock and those who don't speak English need not worry, as there are representatives who speak 150 different languages.
Trying to obtain a health insurance plan through the exchanges after the April 15 deadline may be hard to achieve. Fox News recently reported that consumers likely won't be able to purchase a qualified health plan until Jan. 1, 2015 at the earliest.
