Alec Sprague
Director, New Member Strategies, The Public Interest Network
MoPIRG Foundation Releases New Guide to Help Missouri Students Navigate New Health Insurance Landscape
Media Contacts
Guide Offers Tips for Students to Find Quality Coverage That Won’t Break the Bank
MoPIRG Foundation
ST LOUIS — With the main parts of the Affordable Care Act now going into effect, MoPIRG Foundation released the new guide, So You Need Health Insurance. Now What? Missouri Health Insurance 101.
“Students have lots of questions about health insurance,” said Alec Sprague, Federal Advocate for the MoPIRG Foundation, “that’s why we’re sharing these tips to help students find good insurance that won’t break the bank.”
Beginning January 1, 2014, most Americans will be required to have insurance coverage or pay a fee. On October 1, the Health Insurance Marketplace opened for Missourians looking for health insurance. By visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace’s website at healthcare.gov, consumers can compare different insurance plans apples to apples, and find out about financial help they may qualify for to help lower their premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
MoPIRG Education Foundation’s top tips for students include:
1. Look into ongoing options such as staying on your parents’ plan until you turn 26, or enrolling in the student health plan.
2. Check out new options at the Health Insurance Marketplace online at healthcare.gov or by phone at 800-318-2596. Plans listed there cover preventive care, hospitalizations, office visits, prescriptions and more.
3. Find out about financial help that’s available when you apply at the Health Insurance Marketplace.
4. Compare plans side-by-side, in plain language at the Health Insurance Marketplace.
5. Don’t let insurance companies turn you away if you have a pre-existing condition.
6. Get expert help comparing insurance plans and signing up online, by phone or in-person. Connect with specially trained people who can help you at the Health Insurance Marketplace.
7. Find out more in the online guide, So, You Need Health Insurance. Now What? Missouri Health Insurance 101, at mopirgfoundation.org/healthinsurance101.
8. Get involved in the campaign as a volunteer or intern to help get the word out on campus. Find out more at studentpirgs.org/internships.
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MoPIRG Foundation works to protect consumers and promote good government. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public, and offer meaningful opportunities for civic participation. Visit us at www.mopirgfoundation.org