As the December 15 deadline nears for individuals to secure 2018 coverage under the Affordable Care Act, enrollment assisters in Milwaukee will continue daily enrollment assistance citywide and offer a number of public events where area residents can receive free assistance in finding a health care plan that meets their needs.

“The ACA has not been repealed or replaced, and it’s important anyone in need of health care coverage understand that all the financial supports to individuals under the ACA are still in place,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “The clock is ticking and the deadline is just days away. I urge anyone with questions to reach out to our local network of health systems, insurers, and partners who can help.”

Local help is available through a network of partners in the Milwaukee Enrollment Network, a consortium of more than 100 organizations, including upcoming public events scheduled at Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, Milwaukee Public Library locations, and Community Advocates as well as daily assistance at locations like the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s three health center locations.

“National research shows that consumers who work with a navigator or enrollment assister are much more successful submitting an application in heatlhcare.gov for a plan that fits their budget and includes their providers,” notes Caroline Gomez-Tom of the Milwaukee Enrollment Network. “There are many affordable plans available in the Marketplace – and 9 out of 10 people who sign up for coverage get financial assistance – sometimes with premiums under $50 a month.”

To meet the strong demand for help in signing up for the Marketplace and Medicaid in Milwaukee, consumers may drop in at the these and other events, but are encouraged to schedule an appointment by dialing 2-1-1:

•Friday, December 8, 1 – 5 pm, Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave.

•Saturday, December 9, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm, Capitol Library, 3969 N. 7^th St.

•Saturday, December 9, 10 am – 2 pm, Sixteenth Street Community Health Center, 1032 S. Cesar Chavez Dr.

•Monday December 11, 4 – 7 pm, Center Street Library, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave.

•Thursday December 14, 9 am – 5 pm, Community Advocates, 728 N. James Lovell St.

•Friday, December 15, 9 am – 5 pm, Community Advocates, 728 N. James Lovell St.

“We know that many people have questions and need help navigating all of the options available to them,” said Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker. “The City of Milwaukee Health Department urges anyone who needs help understanding their options to take advantage of the local navigators and certified application counselors who can provide free, in-person assistance.”

Consumers can learn more about enrollment in the Marketplace as well as Medicaid, by visiting healthcare.gov or calling the Health Insurance Marketplace national call center at 1-800-318-2596. To get connected to free, in-person enrollment assistance in Milwaukee County, consumers should dial 2-1-1, or text their zip code to 898-211 for an immediate reply.

The Milwaukee Enrollment Network reminds consumers to be prepared when signing up for health care coverage, and to have the following information about themselves and their household:

• Social security numbers and document numbers for legal immigrants for every person in the home who needs coverage
• Employer and income information for the household (from pay stubs or W-2 forms)
• Policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of the household

In 2018, the fine for not having health insurance will be $695, or 2.5% of household income, whichever is greater.

Adults with income below 100% of the federal poverty level ($11,670 per year for an individual) and children and pregnant women in households with income under 300% of the poverty levels ($71,550 for a family of four), may enroll anytime in BadgerCare Plus.