Enrollment in the expanded Medicaid program is delayed for 2 reasons:
- The authorizing legislation passed last week by the Michigan state legislature did not contain language allowing the legislation to take effect immediately, therefore. it cannot take effect until 90 days after the close of this legislative session in December – sometime in late March or early April, depending on the end of the session
- The legislation has changes that require waivers from the federal government and it is unclear when those waivers can be gotten.
As soon as dates for enrollment and benefit starting dates are announced, another alert will be sent. The issue of all Americans mandated to have health insurance coverage on January 1, 2014 or be taxed is also being addressed at the state level. It is hoped that these taxes will not be levied on our poorest citizens.
Enrollment in the Marketplace/Exchange WILL begin on October 1, 1013 with benefits to start on January 1 2014.
Enrollment will continue through March 31, 2014 with annual open enrollment times in the following years. If there are major changes a household (births, deaths, marriages, divorces, etc.), policy holders will be able to adjust their coverage without waiting for open enrollment times.
After October 1, 2013, persons seeking insurance with subsidies to help pay for the policies, may enroll at healthcare.gov or by going to local clinics and organizations who will have trained navigators and others who can assist them in the process. Lists of these clinics and organizations will be widely available in the near future.
MICHUHCAN 