Open enrollment for the HealthCare.gov Marketplace will be reopened on February 15, 2021 and available through August 15, 2021 as part of federal pandemic relief approved on January 28, 2021. As part of ongoing partnerships, the Madison Public Library is helping spread the word about organizations that can help families and individuals gain access to health insurance during this new open enrollment period.
United Way of Dane County's HealthConnect
HealthConnect is available if you need assistance paying your 2021 premiums. United Way of Dane County can help lower-income individuals and families who make too much to be eligible for BadgerCare purchase insurance in the Marketplace via the HealthConnect Premium Assistance Program. Made possible because of donations from UW Health and Quartz, HealthConnect pays the balance of eligible participants’ monthly health insurance premium not covered by the Premium Tax Credit available through the Marketplace.
To be eligible, you must live in Dane County, be a US Citizen or legal resident, enroll in a Marketplace health plan and fall within the below income ranges:
- Family of 1: $12,760-19,140 per year
- Family of 2: $17,240-25,860 per year
- Family of 3: $21,720-32,580 per year
- Family of 4: $26,200-39,300 per year
- Families of 5+: see webpage for more information
To learn more or to apply, visit https://www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/healthconnect/. Further questions can be directed to the 211 help line.
Covering Wisconsin
Covering Wisconsin can help you navigate the healthcare Marketplace through HealthCare.gov. You may be able to get free or low-cost health insurance. Call 608-261-1455 or visit wiscovered.com for more info.
Financial Navigators
Madison residents seeking help with financial concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic can contact a new, free hotline to be connected with a “Financial Navigator” – a person they can talk to about their financial concerns.
Financial Navigators are available at no cost to provide guidance, over the phone, to help residents access available programs and services to manage income loss and other financial concerns they may be experiencing. With one-on-one discussions, Navigators will work with residents to address personal financial issues, identify immediate steps to manage expenses and maximize income, and make referrals to other services such as bill paying assistance, government benefits and other programs that may come from future stimulus packages.
To access the hotline:
- Visit https://www.cityofmadison.com/financialhotline and fill out a short interest form
- Call (608) 266-6300 weekdays 10am-6pm or Saturdays 12-5pm to sign up.