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News Brief

Jan. 1, 2025 |  By: Chrystal Blair - Public News Service

Missourians reminded of final weeks to secure health coverage

medicare

By Chrystal Blair - Public News Service

We're entering the last few weeks of open enrollment, and Missourians are being reminded to secure health coverage before it's too late.

The Missouri Primary Care Association is sharing valuable tips for enrollment, encouraging people to review their current plan to see if it still fits their needs - or if it's time to consider new options.

Also, remember to check premiums and deductibles, and ensure your doctors and prescriptions are covered.

Becky Whiteford, outreach program manager with the MCPA, stressed the importance of keeping a list of prescriptions - so that health navigators can assist in making informed enrollment decisions.

"The navigator can help them look online," said Whiteford, "and if this plan that you are looking at, if it pays for that prescription and what is the co-pay on it. Is there a generic, if that person can take a generic."

The deadline to enroll is January 15.

After that date, individuals can change Marketplace plans only if eligible for a Special Enrollment Period - due to life events such as losing coverage, marriage, or having a baby.

Failing to update coverage for a major life event can lead to gaps in coverage or paying for unnecessary benefits.

Whiteford shared that another mistake people make is thinking they're all set if they're keeping the same plan.

"If you had a marketplace plan last year, and the marketplace will auto enroll you for 2025," said Whiteford, "you still need to go into your plan and look at it and update it."

More than 90% of Missourians have some form of health coverage, including private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.

As of 2023, approximately 26 million Americans, or 8% of the population, lacked health insurance.