Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties – HealthCare.gov announces new more affordable health insurance eligibility through temporary unemployment provisions within the American Rescue Plan.
 
As of July 1, 2021, households with anyone who received at least one week of unemployment during 2021 are eligible to receive advanced premium tax credits that will qualify them for a $0 to $10 plan on the Marketplace exchange.  People qualified for Medicaid (excluding family planning), Medicare, Employer-based coverage, and VA benefits are not eligible. The deadline for this enrollment is August 15th, 2021.
 
This provision also applies to people in the Medicaid gap. It also applies to people already eligible for subsidies, but who may want to update their application for a more affordable monthly premium. 
 
If you or someone you know has been putting off needed medical treatment because they have no health insurance, now is the time to check out Marketplace coverage. Apply now and you could have coverage starting August 1, 2021. Free in-person assistance is available in the seven western counties by calling 828-452-1447 for the name and number of a Certified Application Counselor near you.
 
This provision applies to 2021 coverage only and as of now will not be available for 2022.  Retroactive coverage under this specific provision is not available, but we may be able to assist with more complex scenarios with the other COVID-related special enrollment periods. As a reminder, the COVID special enrollment period is open to anyone until August 15th. Open Enrollment for 2022 coverage will be November 1 through January 15, 2022.

Information can be found online at GetCoveredWNC.org. Mountain Projects can be reached at 828-452-1447. This service is supported in part by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and the Dogwood Health Trust.