JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of people in Northeast Florida have signed up for affordable health care after the city of Jacksonville launched a brand-new initiative last month — “Get Covered Jax” — in the hopes of getting those without health insurance enrolled. But the deadline is looming if you want coverage in 2024.
Choosing to sign up for a private health care plan through the Florida Health Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov will help you save on a long list of healthcare needs including prescriptions, mental health services, blood work, and screenings.
“A local public education campaign like this has never been implemented before, and I am excited to see the fantastic results it is having,” said Mayor Deegan. “I often say that a confused mind says no. Get Covered Jax is providing important information so that citizens can say yes to enrolling in health insurance. I want Jacksonville to be a healthier city because health, both physical and mental, is key to our economic prosperity. This is a big step in the right direction.”
In just the first month of enrollment, thousands of people signed up in Northeast Florida:
- Duval Co.: 26,278
- St. Johns Co.: 4,491
- Clay Co.: 4,133
- Nassau Co.: 1,374
These numbers have likely grown even higher. Those who signed up between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15. had their health coverage start Jan. 1. Anyone signing up after Dec. 15 but before the open enrollment period ends Jan. 15 will have coverage starting Feb. 1.
To get free help signing up, click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page you’ll see the number to call (1-866-295-5955) or click “Make Your Appointment.”
Dr. Sunil Joshi, Jacksonville’s Chief Health Officer, says there are affordable or even no-cost options for everyone — no matter what your financial situation is.
“If you’re self-employed, if you don’t have a job, you’re eligible to try to get health insurance and potentially at a significantly reduced cost as well, which is key because it can sometimes be expensive,” Joshi said. “So, for instance, if you saw a plan on there that you really like that would cover you and your spouse or your family, but it would be $800 a month, you might qualify .... for subsidies up to $500 a month. Now that plan is only going to cost you $300 a month. That would be a $6000-a-year savings over time.”
The city says the more people who have affordable health care, the healthier Jacksonville will be for everybody. And you are not in this process alone.
As you talk over plans with your family, “Get Covered Jax” wants you to know that:
- Affordable insurance options are available for everyone, even those who don’t earn a high income
- People can no longer be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions
- Insured individuals have better access to primary care physicians for preventative care and treatment than those who are uninsured
Joshi said what many people don’t realize is that the available insurance plans cover far more than just emergency room visits or hospital stays. Also included in the marketplace insurance plans are mental health and substance use disorder services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services and devices, laboratory services, and preventative wellness services.
“Such as getting your yearly health screening, your screening bloodwork, mammograms for women over the age of 40, colonoscopies, pap smears all of those things that help keep us from getting sick,” Joshi said.
The marketplace plans also include health coverage for maternity and newborn care as well as pediatric services, including oral and vision care.
WJXT-TV is partnering with the city to spread the word about this important initiative.
Save these dates:
- Dec. 15: The last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to begin on Jan. 1, 2024
- Jan. 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans before Dec. 15 and pay their first premium
- Jan. 15: Open enrollment ends – this is the last day to enroll in or change plans for 2024 unless you qualify for a special enrollment period (due to a qualifying life event)
- Feb. 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans between Dec. 16-Jan. 15 and pay their first premium
- Ongoing: Enrollment in Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) is ongoing, year-round