View a full list of the health insurance we accept here.
View Financial Assistance policies here.
For your convenience, we’ve assembled some of the following FAQs about health insurance. Much of this information can also be found at www.healthcare.gov. You may also contact one of our CRHS Insurance Coordinators at (910) 642-1779.
There are several options if you don’t think you can afford coverage:
Note: Since North Carolina is a state that did not expand Medicaid this year, if you applied and were denied Medicaid coverage (but ordinarily would have received it) you can apply for exemption in order to avoid paying a fee for not having coverage. You can apply for exemption while applying for coverage in the Marketplace or file for exemption here without filling out a Marketplace application.
There are limited scenarios wherein an employee receives coverage, but that health plan doesn’t include their child or children. In these cases, parents can apply for health coverage for their children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
You can apply for Medicaid/CHIP through several channels:
You can find an extensive list of FAQs about Medicaid and CHIP, what services they cover, how to apply and more at healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip.
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, explore other options for coverage. See I need help applying and determining my coverage needs (below) for resources that can help you navigate potential cost-effective options. These resources have lots of information and provide quick, easy ways to get in touch with somebody who can help you!
If you determine that you still cannot afford to pay for coverage, and you are not eligible for Medicaid, you might be exempt from the fee incurred for not having coverage. See What if I can’t afford coverage (above) for guidance in applying for exemption, and locating alternative means to receive medical attention.
Every year, there is a period of Open Enrollment. Those looking to enroll in a health insurance plan must enroll during this period. 2016 Open Enrollment ended January 31, 2016. Open Enrollment for 2017 will begin November 1, 2016 and end January 31, 2017.
There are extenuating circumstances that might allow you to enroll outside of the typical enrollment period, which is referred to as a Special Enrollment Period. See below to determine if you qualify.
You might be able to apply for coverage or change your plan during a Special Enrollment Period, if you have experienced any of the following:
Find our if you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period here.
You can also apply for Medicaid or CHIP outside of Open Enrollment. Other Open Enrollment exemptions exist for Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives. View all details about applying for health coverage outside of Open Enrollment here.
Check out HealthSherpa, a non-government and non-partisan agency that helps people navigate Marketplace plans based on their income, needs, providers, medications and also helps to identify any potential savings by providing a streamlined guide with live, year-round support.
Local agents are also willing to help individuals and businesses acquire health insurance by providing guidance before, during and after the application process. You can begin your search for local help by using this Connector search tool, by Get Covered America™. HealthCare.gov also has its own Local Help search, which starts off with some more specific questions as whether or not you’re looking for Medicaid or CHIP coverage, individual coverage or coverage for your small business.
