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Open Enrollment NaviGator

A comic showing two balloons labeled: "Medicaid - 85 Million" and "ACA Plans - 14.5 Million". Reads: "Affordable health coverage is something to celebrate! 2022 was a historic year with health coverage rates reaching an all-time high." Open Enrollment starts November 1st.At the start of the 2022 Open Enrollment period, AAHD launched the character Olli the NaviGator as part of a health outreach comic strip. From November 1st through January 15th, this comic addressed common questions and concerns people might have when signing up for health insurance through the Marketplace. Below are the collected comic strips to date. Stay tuned for additional graphics throughout the year.

A set of three comic panels for Disability Week of Action. Reads "Marketplace Open Enrollment started November 1st and goes until January 15th. Sign up by December 15th to start your plan by New Years!" An alligator is shown riding on a recumbent adaptive bicycle along a strip of road, with fireworks in the distance. As he approaches a banner marking January 15th, he passes a sign that reads "Special Enrollment Period Ahead". In the final panel he says "No pre-existing condition" can get in the way of your coverage!

Illustration of alligator biking beneath a road sign that says “EZ-Renew”. Reads “If you like your health coverage and don’t want to change a thing, you might be able to auto-renew for 2023!” Panel 2 - Illustration of alligator passing a sign for Renewal Pit Stop. Reads “But sometimes, the renewal process requires a few extra steps.” Panel 3 - Alligator holds a cell phone with a checklist of Marketplace items to report: Income Changes, Family Changes, Current Address. Reads “Report your life changes at HealthCare.gov to make sure you stay eligible for an affordable health plan!

Three comic panels showing Olli, an alligator speaking to his medical provider. He is shown riding an adaptive bicycle on of the rings around a planet in outer space. He calls out to ask "Is our appointment still on for next week?" There are stars and planets in the sky. An astronaut floating in space calls back to Olli: "I’m still in-network. Looks like we're good to go!" This character is shown floating within a dashed line marking in-network and out-of-network providers. The sun is shining from space. Reads: “Before you renew, make sure your favorite healthcare providers are still covered under your plan. No need to explore a universe of new providers if you don't have to!”

3 panel comic. Panel 1: Alligator seated in a wheelchair in front of a blackboard. There are planets drawn in chalk on the board. The alligator says: “Affordability is key to accessibility! There are subsidies available to help keep your health plan affordable.” Panel 2 reads: “For 4 in 5 people, a health plan will cost $10/month or less this year (80% of plans). For millions of people, Marketplace plans cost $0/month.” Panel 3 reads: “And people making up to $54K/year will now pay no more than 8.5% of their income toward their monthly bill.” Chalk drawings show 2022 highlights: 13.8 million people enrolled (90% of those plans subsidized).

3 panel comic. Shows an alligator riding an adaptive bicycle along a pink roadway towards a road marker that reads January 15th. Reads: “The Open Enrollment deadline for 2023 is coming soon! Sign up by January 15th to get the coverage you need. Essential health benefits include coverage for: prescription drugs; emergency services; mental health and addiction support; rehab/ habilitative services and devices, and more! Check out your options at Healthcare.gov today!Single comic panel showing Olli, an alligator riding an adaptive bicycle on top of a hill and holding a giant flag which says, “Open Enrollment”. Olli is saying “10 years of ACA coverage is ensuring affordable care for millions of Americans! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, 4 out of 5 enrollees found plans this year for less than $10/month. We’re grateful to be on this path toward affordable healthcare for all!” There are balloons in the background with a note saying, “A record-breaking 16.3 million signed up for health insurance through the marketplace this season.” The hill on which Olli is riding shows a breakdown of 3.6 million new enrollees and 12.7 million returning enrollees.

 

Medicaid Continuous Coverage Requirement EndingOlli the alligator is seated in his wheelchair in front of a row of houses, holding a Medicaid renewal form in hand. He is about to drop it in the mailbox. Reads: “Do you have Medicaid? It’s time to renew your coverage! Make sure you double-check your coverage. Medicaid can go by a few different names, depending on the state (Includes: TennCare, Mass Health and others). Step 1 to stay covered: Check to be sure Medicaid has your current address, phone number, and email address to contact you. Step 2: Complete and return any renewal forms you receive. Step 3: Find local advocates to support you if needed. Community Centers for Independent Living and Navigators are here to help!”

Olli the alligator is sitting in his wheelchair, getting support with Medicaid renewal. He is distressed reading his Medicaid Unenrollment Notice. He says "I thought I filled everything out to renew...". A Navigator responds "Did your income change?" "No, that's not it." "You've got a few options! If they requested any specific information for your renewal, we can share that now. Or you can start a new Medicaid application." (Some states have a waiting period before you can re-apply.) The Navigator points to the Healthcare.gov application site. Says "If it seems like you're no longer eligible, you may qualify for subsidized coverage through the Marketplace. Or you can always file an appeal!"