HealthConnect makes health care more affordable
Madison, WI (October 30, 2017) – United Way of Dane County is helping local families and individuals afford health insurance through its HealthConnect premium assistance program.
HealthConnect, now in its fifth year, eases the financial burden of having health care coverage for disadvantaged residents. The UW Population Health Institute reports that approximately 18,700 Dane County residents were uninsured in 2016.
HealthConnect is not health insurance, but rather subsidizes the cost for an individual or family’s out-of-pocket cost of the insurance premium for Silver level cost-share reduction (CSR) health plans purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov). HealthConnect pays the balance of the monthly health insurance premium that is not covered by the Premium Tax Credit available through the Marketplace. Thanks to UW Health for their financial support of this program.
HealthConnect eligibility requirements:
• Be a resident of Dane County
• Purchase a Silver level CSR plan through Healthcare.gov
• Have a household income between 100-150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
That means between $12,060 and $18,090 per year for a single individual, and between $24,600 and $36,900 for a family of four.
Nearly 2,000 Dane County residents have benefited from this program since HealthConnect launched in 2014.
“When health issues are identified and treated early, people are likely to respond more quickly to treatment, avoid hospitalizations and greater pain, and have better outcomes,” said United Way of Dane County President & CEO Renee Moe. “HealthConnect encourages people to get insured, be proactive about their health, and in turn stabilizes families and our entire community.”
Buying/ Renewing Insurance Coverage for 2018
The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for purchasing 2018 health insurance has been shortened to six weeks, between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15, 2017. If you already have coverage, open enrollment is the time to compare your options. Plans, prices and financial assistance change every year and most people can save money by actively renewing their coverage.
HealthConnect Premium Assistance
To receive HealthConnect assistance, eligible applicants should purchase or re-enroll in a Silver level CSR insurance plan and complete and submit the online HealthConnect application or call 2-1-1 for a printed form. Those currently receiving HealthConnect assistance also need to submit a new HealthConnect application this year. HealthConnect is available on a first-come, first-serve basis as long as resources remain available.
This is just one example of how United Way fights for the education, financial stability and health of everyone in Dane County.
About United Way of Dane County:
United Way of Dane County fights for the education, financial stability, and health of everyone in Dane County. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative work, United Way brings the many voices of Dane County together to find common ground, develop a strategic architecture for change, and make measurable progress, while engaging organizations and individuals with the opportunity to give, advocate and volunteer to change lives in Dane County.
About 2-1-1:
United Way 2-1-1 is a 24/7 information and referral service that connects people to a variety of resources such as food pantries, utility and rent assistance, job training, transportation resources, support groups, home chores for older adults, tutoring and youth recreation, and community clinics. Do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions or are having difficulty finding the resources you need. Unfortunately there are not enough services to meet demand, but we will do our best to connect you. Calls to 2-1-1 also help the community understand what resources are needed, and provide insight so United Way can continue to tackle the root causes of these issues.
