Health Insurance & Medicare

Health Insurance Marketplace

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most American citizens to have health insurance. Understanding your health insurance options, getting the right coverage and properly enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace can be confusing – but we’re here to help you.

UnityPoint Health is committed to keeping your health on point. Our certified application counselors on staff can help you understand your health insurance options and make sure you’re properly enrolled for the right health coverage at no cost to you.

The Health Insurance Marketplace is a new way to find coverage that fits your budget and meets your needs - whether you're uninsured or just want to explore your choices.

Our Federal and state-certified counselors can assist with:

• Understanding the marketplace's insurance options
• Determining coverage differences (bronze, silver, gold, or platinum plans)
• Determining if you’re eligible for Medicaid
• Helping you research plans that best meet your needs and budget
• Determining your eligibility for financial assistance to help pay for insurance
• Completing and submitting your application

Medicare and the Affordable Care Act

Your Medicare coverage is protected

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. Medicare is not part of the Health Insurance Marketplace established by the ACA, so you don't have to replace your Medicare coverage with Marketplace coverage. No matter how you get Medicare, whether through traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you'll still have the same benefits and security you have now.

Beware of Fraud

If you’re enrolled in Medicare and receive a call stating you need to enroll in the Marketplace, it may be fraud.

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment occurs yearly from October 15 – December 7. This is the annual period during which Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate their coverage — whether it's original Medicare with drug coverage, or Medicare Advantage — and make changes if they’d like. Changes go into effect on January 1.

Choosing a Medicare Plan

If you need help choosing a Medicare plan, or have questions, there are free resources available to you:

• Visit Medicare.gov
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

Let Us Help

UnityPoint Health has partnered with Chapter, an independent Medicare advisor to offer free Medicare guidance and support. Chapter will review your coverage and help you find a Medicare plan available in your area that:

• Ensures your UnityPoint Health care team is in-network
• Covers your prescriptions
• Works for your care needs and budget

Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

The purpose of SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) is to provide free, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), Medicare supplement plans and other supplemental insurance, billing and claims issues, Medicare fraud and abuse.