Diane Brown
Executive Director, Arizona PIRG
Executive Director, Arizona PIRG
Arizona PIRG Education Fund
With major components of the Affordable Care Act about to go into effect, the Arizona PIRG Education Fund launched a statewide education campaign to reach Arizona college students and others with facts about the law and tips to help them find coverage. As part of this effort, the Arizona PIRG Education Fund released their new guide So You Need Health Insurance. Now What? Arizona Health Insurance 101.
“Many young adults either do not have health insurance or are in a position to lose their current coverage in the near future, but are unsure what to do next,” said Diane E. Brown, Executive Director of the Arizona PIRG Education Fund. “Young adults, similar to many Arizonans, often have questions about health insurance and need facts and information to make good decisions that won’t break the bank.”
Beginning January 1, 2014, most Americans will be required to have health insurance coverage or pay a fee. On October 1st, 2013, the Health Insurance Marketplace will open for Arizonans looking for health insurance. By visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace’s website at Healthcare.gov, consumers will be able to compare insurance plans, and find out about financial help they may qualify for in order to help lower their premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
The Arizona PIRG Education Fund’s top tips for young adults include:
1. See if you can stay on your parents’ plan. Insurance companies have to let you stay on your parents’ plan until you turn 26.
2. Look at enrolling in a student health plan. Colleges and universities often have good deals on health coverage. Find out more at your student health office.
3. Ask if your job offers health insurance. Many employers offer health coverage. Ask your supervisor or human resources department for information.
4. Check out options at the Health Insurance Marketplace. The plans there include coverage for doctor visits, hospitalizations, preventive care, maternity care, emergency room care, prescriptions, and more.
5. Find out about financial help that’s available. New options mean you may be able to pay on a sliding scale, or qualify for free or low cost coverage.
6. Use the Health Insurance Marketplace to compare plans side-by-side, in plain language. The new marketplace lets you see all your options on one website, and shows what each plan covers in plain language.
7. Don’t let insurers reject you for a pre-existing condition. For coverage starting January 2014, insurance companies can no longer deny you coverage or charge you more just because you have a health condition.
8. Get involved in the campaign as a volunteer or intern to help get the word out on campus. Find out more by emailing: [email protected]