In this post, you will find information about the new Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace, called “Get Covered Illinois.”

Before you read on, however, we at Champaign County Health Care Consumers (CCHCC) want to let you know that across the country, all of these Marketplace websites are VERY busy and consumers are experiencing delays and problems because of the overload.

So, please be patient, and don’t panic! Remember that the Open Enrollment period lasts for several months, and that the target date for enrollment in order to have a health plan take effect by January 1, 2014, is December 15. There is still plenty of time to enroll!

However, it is never too early to start getting informed, and we hope the information below will be useful.

The Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace, called “Get Covered Illinois,” opens today, October 1, 2013. Champaign County Health Care Consumers (CCHCC) and health care advocates like you have been working tirelessly to get the word out about the new Marketplace, which creates a simpler, streamlined way to access new and affordable health insurance.

The health care law (Affordable Care Act) expands health insurance coverage to millions of Americans. As of October 1, 2013 you can now apply for, and enroll in, health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Health coverage starts as early as January 1, 2014, if you apply by December 15, 2013.

The Marketplace is for you if you are uninsured, underinsured, have an individual plan, are on COBRA, or are a dependent on someone else’s plan. If you have insurance provided by your employer, or another form of insurance, or if you have Medicare or Medicaid, you do not need to do anything and you will not need to use the Marketplace!

Through the Marketplace:

• There will be new, affordable insurance options available.
• Financial help is available so you can find a plan that fits your budget.
• Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition and they cannot charge you more because of your health or if you are a woman.
• All insurance plans will have to cover doctor visits, hospitalizations, maternity care, emergency room care, and prescriptions.

We know that many of you are eager to enroll in health insurance through the Marketplace, but we do urge you to be prepared and take your time to make decisions about your health insurance. If you want your insurance coverage to begin on January 1, you have until December 15 to enroll in health insurance through the Marketplace.

To see the detailed information for In-Person Enrollment locations in Champaign County, please scroll down.

If you have any problems reaching these locations or accessing their services, please contact CCHCC at (217) 352-6533. You can also contact CCHCC to get your questions answered or find enrollment assistance.

Thank you helping to spread the word about the Marketplace!

Sincerely,
Claudia Lennhoff
Executive Director

PACE, INC.

• 1317 E. Florida Ave., Urbana, IL 61801
• Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Walk-ins and by appointment
• (217) 344-5433
• (TTY) (217) 344-5024
• (Videophone) (217) 689-0289

FRANCES NELSON HEALTH CENTER

• 819 Bloomington Rd., Champaign, IL 61820
• Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Walk-ins and by appointment
• Help is available in Spanish and other languages
• (217) 403-5418

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

• 1776 E. Washington St., Urbana, IL 61802
• Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Call to schedule an appointment
• (217) 328-3313

C-U PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

• 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign, IL 61820
• Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Walk-ins and by appointment
• Help is available in English, Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, Gujrathi, and Punjabi
• (217) 352-7961 : Press #1 for English or #2 for Spanish; then press #7