I Am Empowered - I am the National Urban League

The Affordable Care Act is improving access to care for minority populations and other underserved communities.  Starting on October 1, the online Health Insurance Marketplace will make buying health coverage easier and more affordable. The Marketplace offers one-stop shopping so individuals can compare prices, benefits and other health plan details on an easy-to-use website. Financial help will be provided to low-income populations, which will help ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health coverage, even if they lose a job, switch jobs, move, or become ill.

The health of racial and ethnic minorities is one of the focus areas for the CMS Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH).  That is why CMS OMH would like to share more information with you about the Marketplace and how it can help increase access to care, reduce health disparities, and move our country toward health equity for people of all backgrounds.

For the next several weeks, CMS OMH will be sending weekly messages about the Health Insurance Marketplace that you can share with your networks.  We encourage you to visit www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to learn how more individuals can get coverage that meets their needs.

To contact CMS OMH, please email omh@cms.hhs.gov.

Cara James
CMS OMH Director

Did You Know?

Open enrollment for the Marketplace starts on October 1, 2013—that’s just 8 days away!—ends March 31, 2014.  Plans and prices will be available on www.healthcare.gov.

Coverage starts as soon as January 1, 2014.

You can get ready now by visiting the website and gathering the information listed in the Marketplace checklist below.  Use the timeline of the health care law to learn more about what's changing and find out how the law protects you.

Marketplace Application Checklist  

To apply for coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace, you’ll need to provide some information about you and your household, including income, any insurance you currently have, and some additional items.

Use the checklist below to help you gather what you need to apply for coverage.

• Social Security Numbers (or document numbers for legal immigrants). To obtain a replacement card, please visit ssa.gov/ssnumber, call 800-772-1213, or visit your local office which can be found at secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
• Employer and income information for every member of your household who needs coverage (for example, from pay stubs or W-2 forms—Wage and Tax Statements). To obtain a replacement W-2 from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you can either call 800-829-1040 or complete and submit a transcript request form for your W-2 from irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf.
• Policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household
• A completed Employer Coverage Tool (see page 2 of this checklist, www.healthcare.gov/downloads/MarketplaceApp_Checklist_Generic.pdf) for every job-based plan you or someone in your household is eligible for. (You’ll need to fill out this form for coverage you’re eligible for, even if you don’t enroll.)
• Stay up-to-date about the Marketplace. Visit HealthCare.gov/subscribe to get email or text updates that will help you get ready to apply.

We Are Here to Help

Call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325.

Online chat is also available 24/7 on www.healthcare.gov. Just look for the blue box on the lower right hand corner of the page. You’ll be connected to a customer service representative who can answer your questions in an online conversation.

Navigators and other in-person assistance.  You can use localhelp.healthcare.gov to find help in your area.
To contact CMS OMH, please email omh@cms.hhs.gov.