I've been trying to navigate the Healthcare Marketplace since October 1. We all know there've been many problems. I got through the process a month or so ago, with the result that I was not eligible for coverage through the Marketplace. No reason given. It was suggested I apply for Medicaid.
So I did, knowing I would be disqualified and thinking all I would need to do is go back to the Marketplace, denial in hand, and get this thing done.
Not exactly.
What I had to do was download, print and complete a multi-page form appealing the decision that I don't qualify to purchase a plan. The basis of my appeal was, simply, that I didn't know why I wasn't eligible.
So I completed the form and decided to give the government one last shot, hopefully to save some time.
I called. And spoke with Karen, who said I could either send in that appeal or she would delete my current application and help me fill out a new one.
I WAS SO FRUSTRATED I NEARLY CRIED. Right there on the phone. This would be my THIRD application process.
She explained it would take only about 20 minutes and she'd be able to tell me instantly, upon completion, if the results were different. And she was pretty confident they would be.
After all, the Affordable Care Act was written expressly for people like me: Not covered under an employer-provided plan, not covered under Medicaid and paying
So she asked and I answered and voila! The new result was, indeed, new. I qualify for a subsidy and all I have to do now is log back into my account, compare plans, pick one and write a check.
I'm one of the few people I know who still trusts the government. I'm not sure why the process didn't work the first time. I'm just grateful it did, and looking forward to shopping for insurance! From an insurance company! That's still going to make a profit!
I could move to Vermont, where legislation was just passed which will create a single-payer system in that state. And having Bernie Sanders for a Senator would be a nice perk, as well.
But for now I'll stay put and get my gratitude on.
Thank you, Karen, wherever you are, for your patience and understanding and confidence that this would all work out.
About that website, though …
