Deadline approaches for Health Insurance Marketplace

McHenry County Department of Health reminds residents that open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace ends on Monday, March 31. You can schedule an appointment to meet with a local Navigator at (815) 334-4510 or choose from a variety of appointment times and locations throughout the county at www.mcdh.info. For more information, call the "Get Covered Illinois" Help Desk at (866) 311-1119. Operators are available each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or visit www.getcoveredillinois.gov.

MCDH and its six partner agencies have processed more than 1,200 applications for both the Marketplace health plans and Medicaid since Oct. 1, 2013. Items to bring to appointments include a list of questions, date of birth, Social Security numbers or legal immigrant documents for those needing coverage, proof of income and information for any employer health plans.

Those who miss the March 31 enrollment deadline for the Health Insurance Marketplace could face financial penalties when they submit their tax returns for the 2014 year. In addition, they will not have another opportunity to enroll in a plan until November (with coverage starting in January 2015), unless they have a major, life-changing circumstance such as losing a job, having a baby or a change in marital status. Those who are eligible for Medicaid can continue to enroll without a change in circumstances after March 31 and Enroll McHenry County Navigators can assist with online applications.

For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace and/or enrollment, call MCDH at (815) 334-4510.