Health Insurance
Dear Editor: This year, the most important resolution any of us can make and keep is to enroll in health insurance, and get the security and peace of mind that quality, affordable coverage brings with it.
We are all just one accident or unexpected diagnosis away from needing health insurance. Yet, for generations, millions of Americans have found that quality coverage is out of reach … until now.
Quality health coverage is available, thanks to the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Whether you’re renewing your coverage from the last open enrollment or signing up for the first time, you may be surprised at what you can find. Here in Alaska, about 80 percent of current consumers can find coverage through the Marketplace for as little as $100 a month or less, thanks to financial assistance that lowers the cost of a monthly premium.
Make no mistake, this is quality health coverage. All Marketplace plans are guaranteed to cover a set of benefits, like annual visits to your doctor, prescription medications, hospital stays, maternity and newborn care, and certain preventive services. Insurance companies can no longer impose an annual cap on your health benefits. They can’t deny you coverage simply because you get sick, have a medical condition, or you made a mistake on your paperwork. And, you can’t get charged more for your coverage just because you happen to be a woman.
So, if you don’t have coverage, I encourage you to find in-person assistance in your community at getcoveredalaska.org or at localhelp.healthcare.gov or by calling 2-1-1.
Open enrollment runs through Feb. 15, 2015, so there’s still time to enroll!
Now is the time to come back. Most new customers will find an application that’s much simpler and more intuitive. If you’re a returning customer, you’ll discover that most of the application fields are already filled out for you, using your account information.
There are five steps for renewing your coverage: review your plan, update your information (including your household income), compare your current plan with others available in your area (you may find that there is a better or less expensive plan so don’t skip this step), choose the plan that best fits your budget and health needs, and enroll.
There is still time. You may have the chance to save some money while obtaining the security and peace of mind that come with quality, affordable health coverage – but you’ll want to act soon. Make 2015 the year you purchase health insurance for yourself and your family. It’s the best resolution you can make and an easy one to keep!
Don’t delay, call 2-1-1 today!
Susan Johnson
U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Region 10
Fish to Schools
Dear Editor: I want to express how much I appreciate having the Fish to Schools program at Sitka High School. Not only are the lunches delicious and nutritious, it is nice to support local workers and food.
It is also great to know that the district is supporting other local and Alaskan-grown foods during school lunches, not only fish.
I know that the Fish to Schools model has extended to other communities within Alaska and the nation, and I am excited to continue supporting Fish to Schools for another year in Sitka.
Ben Clark, Sitka
Hospital Care
Dear Editor: I have been receiving medical care through Sitka Community Hospital, Mountainside Family Clinic and Oceanside Physical Therapy.
All the care I received has been ‘‘patient’’-oriented. Be it the infusion team, Elizabeth, July and Sue, that goes out of the way to make each patient special and comfortable; the surgery team bend over backwards, repairing ‘‘port-a-cath.’’ That does not happen in major medical facilities.
Nursing care is outstanding. Doctors do the same way. The same with Mountainside and Oceanside.
Let’s not forget the folks at the admission, ward clerks, who make sure information is correct and that you are comfortable.
The billing department is very willing to go over explaining charges on a bill, which usually ends on further research by the patient and their insurance careers and by the billing department. They are also very willing to set up payment plans.
With everyone working together, to me is ‘‘team’’ approach, which leads to ‘‘patient’’ oriented care. Patients are part of the team also. Being part of the decision-making process for his/her medical care.
Bottom line, I am very privileged to be a patient at the SCH team.
Cornelia Huebscher, Sitka
