Page Ten N/Warren Town and County News Thursday, November 30, 2017
Take Charge America Launches Online Credit
Counseling Service
National nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency Take
Charge America, Inc. has launched an online program to provide consumers in
all 50 states with convenient, 24/7 access to credit counseling services.
Traditionally offered over the phone, the free, confidential service assesses an
individual's debt, income, assets and expenses in order to develop a personalized
budget, credit report summary and action plan for paying off or eliminating
credit card debt.
To start a free session, consumers can access the portal at https://
cc.takechargeamerica.org. They can register for an account and save their
progress, returning to complete the service when it's convenient. The entire
process typically takes 20 minutes or less. Upon completion, Take Charge America
instantly provides an overview of debt repayment options, detailing how each
works and which is ideal based on individual life circumstances.
"Some 30 years ago, we pioneered credit counseling over the phone and have
since helped more than two million people nationwide pay off and manage their
personal debts," said Ted Engel, business development director with Take Charge
America. "Taking this valuable service online enables us to reach even more
people in a manner that they prefer. Our online credit counseling service
represents the future of the industry."
For those who prefer it, Take Charge America will continue to offer credit
counseling over the phone. Certified credit counselors are also available to assist
consumers as they navigate the online system.
For more information, visit the Take Charge America site to start a free credit
counseling session, or call (888) 822-9193.
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2018 Health Insurance Enrollment Deadline
Approaches
Open enrollment began November 1st and ends December 15th for Iowans
purchasing or changing their individual health coverage to become effective
January 1, 2018.
"There has been a lot of news recently about Iowa's individual insurance
market. As the open enrollment season begins, Iowans should thoroughly
research all coverage options. I would encourage consumers to meet with a
licensed insurance agent to determine the best plan for themselves and their
families," Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. "For 2018, Iowans
purchasing their own insurance through the individual market will have one
option, Medica, available through healthcare.gov."
During open enrollment, Iowans may call 1-800-318-2596 or visit
HealthCare.gov for information regarding enrollment and to calculate applicable
tax credits. HealthCare.gov is the only official government website selling health
insurance and buyers should beware of imitation websites.
Local insurance agents, navigators, and certified application counselors around
the state are available to help Iowans review which insurance plan may best fit
their needs. Iowans can find local help by visiting https:/!
localhelp.HealthCare.gov/.
Most Iowans access healthcare in one of three ways:
Employer-Sponsored: A majority of Iowans participate in a group health
insurance plan offered by their employer. This includes employees of large and
small private companies, federal, state, and local government employees, and
active military. Consumers in a small business should talk to a licensed insurance
agent to discuss all available coverage options.
Public Programs: Roughly 1.2 million Iowans receive healthcare benefits
through Medicare and Medicaid.
Individually-Purchased: In 2017, approximately 153,000 Iowans purchase
health insurance on their own. Nearly 48,000 people in this segment purchased
insurance through the online health exchanges. An additional 105,000 Iowans
purchased insurance either through the ACA offexchange, grandfathered, or
transitional policies.
Under each category, there are important developments and information
consumers should keep in mind as open enrollment begins:
Individually-Purchased Health Insurance
-The 2018 healthcare.gov open enrollment period is November 1 through
December 15, 2017. Coverage begins January 1, 2018. Consumers can begin
researching options at any time.
Medica is the sole carrier offering individual health insurance plans for 2018.
If you currently have coverage through the exchange and do not choose a
plan for 2018 by the end of open enrollment, you will be re-enrolled in a similar
plan offered by Medica.
Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
If you're already covered by an employer-sponsored plan, pay close attention
to your enrollment options this year. Premiums and coverage limits may have
changed.
If you're changing jobs, you may be subject to a probationary period, up to 90
days, during
which you are not eligible for group coverage.
If you lost coverage from a previous employer, you typically have 60 days to
enroll in private individual insurance through healthcare.gov under a Special
Enrollment Period. If you have recently lost a job and access to employer-based
insurance, you and your dependents may be eligible for continuation coverage
under COBRA.
Consumers in a small business should talk to a licensed insurance agent to
discuss all available coverage options.
Public Healthcare Pro ams
Medicare is a federally funded program available to most U.S. citizens and
permanent legal residents age 65 or older who have lived continuously in the
country for at least five years. People younger than 65 also may be eligible for
Medicare if they are disabled, suffer from kidney failure, or ALS (Lou Gehrig's
disease). If you have questions about enrolling in Medicare, you can contact
Iowa's Senior Health Insurance Information Program at http://
therightcalliowa.gov or call 1-800-351-4664.
Medicare open enrollment for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription
Drug coverage (Part D) takes place from October 15 through December 7, 2017.
If you miss the deadline and didn't experience a qualifying event, you can apply
later, though you will have to pay a premium penalty.
High-income earners (above $133,500) may see increases in 2018 Medicare
Part B premiums. Enrollees should contact Medicare for an estimate and plan
accordingly.
Medicaid is jointly funded by federal and state governments. Eligibility is
means-based with state-based income requirements. To see if you and your family
are eligible for Medicaid, please visit the Iowa Department of Human Services
at dhsservices.iowa.gov or call 1-855-889-7985.
Let's Get Acquainted
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