[OPLINLIST] Preparing for Oct. 1: Important information public libraries need now about the Affordable Health Care Act

Tue Jul 16 15:27:02 EDT 2013

As part of the Affordable Health Care Act, U.S. citizens and legal residents will be required to have qualifying health coverage by January 1, 2014<https://www.healthcare.gov/what-if-someone-doesnt-have-health-coverage-in-2014/>.  In preparation for this, a health care exchange (a place where consumers can purchase subsidized health insurance coverage) will be available on October 1, 2013.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced a partnership<http://www.imls.gov/imls_and_centers_for_medicare_and_medicaid_services_to_partner_with_libraries.aspx> to help libraries get ready to respond to patron requests for assistance in understanding and navigating new health insurance options in the Health Insurance Marketplace<https://www.healthcare.gov/what-is-the-health-insurance-marketplace>.

Here are some key things libraries need to know:

*        Ohio has chosen to use the federal exchange for health insurance rather than implementing a state-based exchange. The federal exchange is located online at Healthcare.gov<https://www.healthcare.gov/>.

*        The federal exchange will open October 1, 2013. If an individual wishes their health insurance to begin January 1, 2014, they must enroll by mid-December. Open Enrollment will close March 31, 2014. A handout with dates is available here.<http://marketplace.cms.gov/getofficialresources/publications-and-articles/key-dates-for-the-health-insurance-marketplace.pdf>

*        There are four methods an individual can use to apply for health care insurance: mail, toll-free phone, online at Healthcare.gov<https://www.healthcare.gov/>, and in person through certified navigators. The toll-free phone number patrons can call for assistance is 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Assistance is available in multiple languages.

*        The federal government is currently evaluating grant applications from organizations who will serve as certified navigators for health insurance. These navigators will be trained by the federal government and will provide in-person assistance to individuals. This help will be available in September.

*        A separate site for organizations, including libraries, is available at marketplace.cms.gov<http://marketplace.cms.gov/>. It includes printable handouts<http://marketplace.cms.gov/getofficialresources/publications-and-articles/publications-and-articles.html> as well as the paper form for individuals<http://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Forms-Reports-and-Other-Resources/Downloads/AttachmentB_042913.pdf>, families,<http://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Forms-Reports-and-Other-Resources/Downloads/AttachmentC_042913.pdf> and individuals not receiving financial assistance<http://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Forms-Reports-and-Other-Resources/Downloads/AttachmentD_042913.pdf>. To order informational materials in bulk, you will need to create a username and password at http://productordering.cms.hhs.gov/. Once your account is approved, you will be able to choose the publications that you wish to order and they will ship them to you for free.

*        WebJunction received an IMLS grant to provide information to the library community regarding opportunities and resources to connect patrons to health and wellness information.  Although the project is still in development, an eHealth section<http://www.webjunction.org/explore-topics/ehealth.html> on the WebJunction website has resources available now to help libraries get started.   Also included in this project will be a needs assessment regarding patron requests for health information and the development of a comprehensive guide for public libraries to utilize in helping patrons navigate health information at their local library.

*        WebJunction is also hosting a webinar, Libraries & Health Insurance: Preparing for October 1, on Friday, July 26th, 12:00 -1:00 PM.  Register for the webinar<http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/Libraries_and_Health_Insurance_Preparing_for_October_1.html> and even if you can't attend, you will get access to the recording.

*        The Ohio Department of Insurance has a Frequently Asked Questions<http://www.insurance.ohio.gov/Consumer/Pages/FederalHealthReformFAQs.aspx> section on federal health care reforms.

The State Library of Ohio is currently investigating training opportunities and potential partnerships to assist libraries. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

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