RALEIGH · October 30, 2019
NC Navigators are here to help North Carolinians enroll in affordable health insurance plans on HealthCare.gov during the Affordable Care Act’s seventh open-enrollment period, which starts Nov . 1 and runs through Dec. 15.
Throughout open enrollment, North Carolina consumers can call 1-855-733-3711 (toll-free) or visit ncnavigator.net to schedule a free, confidential, in-person appointment with a certified NC Navigator in their area.
Consumers can also meet with navigators by attending any of the 80 free enrollment events to be held across the state during open enrollment. All enrollment events are free and open to the public. No registration is required. Check out the events calendar on ncnavigator.net for the complete list.
NC navigators are trained to help consumers enroll in coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, the online storefront that consumers can visit to browse and enroll in affordable, comprehensive health insurance plans.
NC navigators can help consumers understand the details of the plans available on HealthCare.gov, complete the enrollment process and determine their eligibility for financial assistance. Last year, nine in 10 North Carolinians who enrolled in coverage on HealthCare.gov received financial assistance.
“We want consumers to know that financial assistance is still available,” Mark Van Arnam, director of the Consortium, said. “Most North Carolinians who are enrolled in a HealthCare.gov plan get financial help that lowers the monthly cost of their coverage to less than $70. Navigators can help consumers determine if they are eligible for financial assistance and, if they are, help them sign up to get it.”
North Carolinians who are already enrolled in a HealthCare.gov plan will automatically get re-enrolled in 2019 coverage, but navigators are urging consumers to check back in to see if a more suitable plan is available. The average cost of premiums has decreased to $68 a month, so consumers might be able to find a plan that offers equivalent or better coverage for cheaper.
# # #
Media Contacts
Mark Van Arnam, Director, NC Navigator Consortium, 336-272-0148, [email protected]
The NC Navigator Consortium is a group of six health care, social service and legal aid organizations that helps North Carolina consumers enroll in affordable, comprehensive health insurance plans on HealthCare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act. Members of the consortium are Access East, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Cumberland HealthNet, HealthNet Gaston, and Legal Aid of North Carolina, which leads the consortium. The consortium is funded in part by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and Cone Health. Learn more at ncnavigator.net.
Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal help to low-income and vulnerable North Carolinians. Learn more at legalaidnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.