Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda can help
Port Charlotte, FL (February 13, 2014) – If you’re uninsured, there’s still time to sign up for health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace and avoid the penalty.
The Affordable Care Act requires that most Americans obtain health insurance by 2014 or pay a tax penalty. The penalty will be applied to your annual taxable income for each month you don't have health insurance after March 31, 2014, the last day to enroll.
Based on household income and dependents, you may be eligible for health insurance coverage at no cost through Medicaid. Or, you may be eligible for new health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace – and financial help from the government towards the cost of premiums may be available.
“This is where Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda can help the uninsured in our community,” said Marti Van Veen, System Director of Marketing and Business Development. “With many people lacking access to a computer or just need help maneuvering through the enrollment website, our application counselors can help. We can assist individuals and their families evaluate the available health plans and determine if they’re eligible for Medicaid or other insurance options. To make an appointment for sign-up help, call (941) 766-4167 in Port Charlotte, or (941) 833-1731 in Punta Gorda.”
Health Plans on Health Insurance Marketplaces
All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and individuals cannot be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition. Some of the available health benefits include preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services – and more.
Medicaid Expansion
“Even though Florida has chosen not to expand Medicaid, there are still many individuals in our community who qualify for Medicaid coverage,” explained Marti Van Veen, System Director of Marketing and Business Development. “We can help screen these individuals and if they qualify, we can enroll them at any time, with health coverage beginning immediately, or visit www.healthcare.gov to sign up.”
Bayfront Health, a newly created healthcare network of seven hospitals along Florida’s Gulf Coast, is committed to caring for more than 66,000 inpatients, 202,000 ER visits, nearly 57,000 surgeries and more than 500,000 outpatient visits each year. Additional benefits of the network include transfer agreements in the areas of trauma, pediatrics, stroke, cardiac, OB, NICU and mental health services, to name a few; residency and other educational and training opportunities for medical staff; and the establishment of specialty service line centers in the areas of epilepsy and robotic surgery.
