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Open Enrollment Guidelines

Open Enrollment Guidelines

  • Why do I need health insurance?

    At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we believe having health insurance is one step toward a healthier, happier life. Health insurance is a service you pay for — there to help you maintain good health through preventive care and there for the unpredictable times of life when your health, or the health of a loved one, takes a turn for the worse.

  • What if I can't afford healthcare insurance?

    Thankfully, health insurance is available to millions more people now because of the Affordable Care Act. In fact, most new enrollees qualify for financial assistance to help pay their monthly premiums. Some people even qualify for free care.

  • What is the Affordable Care Act?

    The Affordable Care Act is a comprehensive health care reform law enacted in March 2010, with a goal to make affordable health insurance able to more people, regardless of their budget, even if they are sick or have a prior health issue. In fact, it mandates everyone must enroll in health insurance, otherwise they will be required to pay a fine.

  • How do I enroll?

    There are many ways to enroll:

    Spanish speakers can find assistance at cuidadodesalud.gov

  • Which plan should I choose?

    On healthcare.gov you will be able to compare different levels of healthcare plans from a variety of approved insurance providers. Each will have different amounts of coverage and different monthly premiums. Only one simple application is required. In-person assistance is available to help you to compare plans and coverage options.

  • How much will health insurance actually cost?

    The cost of health insurance depends on your age, gender, income and tobacco use. Below is a tool to help estimate the cost of your health insurance as well as the potential benefits:

    On healthcare.gov you can estimate how much having health insurance will actually cost you on an annual basis as you select different products depending on how often you expect to see a provider, get lab tests done, refill prescriptions, etc. Even if you only go to the provider a few times a year, health insurance can be very economical. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health also offers financial counselors to answer any additional questions:

  • What does my health insurance plan include?

    All marketplace plans must cover the following list of preventive services without charging you additional fees – without a copay or coinsurance. Screenings are also available based on certain criteria and conditions, and all these services will be available through a provider in your designated health care network.

    If you have a preferred provider, your choice of insurance plans will be important. Check to ensure your providers participate in your new plan.

    Here are some of the services and screenings available to you:

    Preventative screenings for all adults

    • Abdominal aortic aneurysm one-time screening
    • Alcohol misuse screening and counseling
    • Aspirin use
    • Blood pressure screening
    • Cholesterol screening
    • Depression screening
    • Diabetes (Type 2) screening
    • Diet counseling
    • HIV screening
    • Vaccines and immunizations
    • Obesity screening and counseling
    • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention counseling
    • Syphilis screening
    • Tobacco use screening

    Preventative screenings for all women

    • Anemia screening
    • Breast cancer genetic test counseling (BRCA)
    • Breast cancer mammography screenings
    • Breast cancer chemoprevention counseling
    • Breastfeeding comprehensive support and counseling
    • Cervical cancer screening
    • Chlamydia infection screening
    • Contraception
    • Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling
    • Folic acid supplements
    • Gestational diabetes screening
    • Gonorrhea screening
    • Hepatitis B screening
    • HIV screening and counseling
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV) test
    • Osteoporosis screening
    • Rh incompatibility screening
    • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) counseling
    • Syphilis screening
    • Tobacco use screening and interventions
    • Urinary tract or other infection screening
    • Well-women visits

    Preventative screenings for all children

    • Alcohol and drug use assessments for adolescents
    • Autism screening
    • Behavioral assessments
    • Blood pressure screening
    • Cervical dysplasia screening
    • Depression screening
    • Developmental screening
    • Dyslipidemia screening
    • Fluoride chemoprevention supplements
    • Gonorrhea-preventative medication
    • Hearing screening
    • Height, weight and body mass index measurements
    • Hematocrit or hemoglobin screening
    • Hemoglobinopathies or sickle cell screening
    • HIV screening
    • Hypothyroidism screening
    • Immunization vaccines
    • Iron supplements
    • Lead screening
    • Medical history
    • Obesity screening and counseling
    • Oral health risk assessment
    • Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening
    • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention counseling and screening