Open Enrollment is Almost Over. Here’s How to Get Involved in the Final Push
by: Rachel Patterson, Association of University Centers on Disabilities
As we approach the end of open enrollment on March 31, it is time for a final push to help as many uninsured Americans as possible gain access to health coverage. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, half of uninsured adults polled in February 2014 say they don’t have enough information to understand how the law will impact them, two-thirds say they know only a little or nothing at all about the Marketplaces, and three-quarters are unaware of the March 31 deadline for open enrollment. People with disabilities are at a greater risk of being socially isolated and not hearing about their enrollment options.
So what can you do?
Talk to your friends. As a navigator, you have access to more accurate information about health coverage options than most people. Try a Facebook post or even an email reminding people that open enrollment ends March 31. Let people know that you have the expertise they might be looking for.
Don’t wait. Like we posted last week, even if you or some of the folks you work with are waiting for Medicaid details, apply now through the marketplace to make sure to get coverage.
Get ready. Humans just love to procrastinate. That means that the last week of March will be very busy for navigators. Get some inspiration from these awesome stories about real people gaining access to health care.
LearnMore. Enroll America has new resources on effective outreach and enrollment strategies to help you right now. Have specific questions? Check out the resources at Health Reform Beyond the Basics.
Use CMS resources on outreach. Like flyers, posters, sample messages, and tons of other official resources.
Stay Tuned. In April, we’ll post information about what life events trigger a special open enrollment period to change or gain insurance.
Special thanks to Rachel Patterson at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities for preparing this blog post.
