KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Wednesday marks the beginning of health care open enrollment, but experts say this year's process brings new challenges.
"Some people know, I don't think enough people know," said Molly Moffett, Community Health Council of Wyandotte County.
Making Moffett’s job even harder than she thought it would be.
"I worry that we're going to get a lot of people this year that fall in the cracks," said Moffett.
At Community Health Council of Wyandotte County, Moffett's job as a project manager is to reach uninsured Wyandotte County residents and get them enrolled. But, as open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins, confusion continues.
"A lot of people really don't know that the Affordable Care Act is still a thing and that they can still get coverage through the marketplace," said Moffett.
This time around, the federal government cut funding for advertising open enrollment. Moffett said the lack of money along with only a six-week time frame, is a challenge.
"Especially with some of the plans changing, people are going to have to come back," said Moffett.
With all of the discussions on Capitol Hill, nothing is set in stone. However, what you can expect to change are premiums.
"Folks who make above that income threshold and don't qualify for that financial assistance, their premiums have gone way up," said Moffett.
To avoid having to read between the lines, Moffett suggests scheduling an appointment with a professional who can read the fine print.
Open enrollment will go through Dec. 15.
If you’re signing up, be sure to have an idea of what your 2018 income will be, your social security number, birth date and have any information on your dependents.
