Healthcare coverage available for those impacted by layoffs
DANVILLE, PA – At a time when healthcare coverage is more important than ever, many Pennsylvanians are losing employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For those who recently lost their employer health benefits, there are coverage options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Individuals and families have 60 days from when they lost employer coverage to sign up for a new ACA plan. Financial assistance may also be available to help reduce monthly premiums.
Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) can help with the enrollment process. To speak with an associate, call 855-923-1188 or visit GeisingerMarketplace.com for more information.
Those with qualifying incomes can enroll in Medicaid at any time. All children qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and can also be enrolled at any time. They can apply for both programs online at www.compass.state.pa.us.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows workers to continue their group health benefits provided by their employer, however, those who qualify may be required to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 102% of the cost to the plan. In most cases, ACA coverage is the more affordable option.
Furloughed employees 65 years of age or older should review their Medicare Advantage options. Geisinger Gold offers all-in-one $0 deductible health plans that include prescription drugs, as well as optional supplemental benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and even gym memberships all with monthly premiums as low as $0.
For more information about Geisinger Gold, visit GeisingerGold.com or call 855-910-809.
Geisinger Health Plan, begun in 1985, is headquartered in Danville, Pennsylvania. The plan has a provider network of more than 30,000 primary care and specialty physicians, 120 hospitals and 132 urgent and convenient care locations and serves nearly 600,000 members in Pennsylvania. Coverage is available for businesses of all sizes, individuals and families, Medicare beneficiaries, Children’s Health Insurance Program and Medical Assistance recipients. Geisinger Gold HMO is the top-rated Medicare plan in Pennsylvania and among the 26 highest-performing Medicare health plans in the nation in the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Medicare Health Insurance Plan Ratings 2019-2020.