COBRA health insurance recipients now have more options

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System certified application counselors (CACs) are available to assist southwest Missouri residents currently utilizing COBRA health insurance find a less expensive option. Recently, the Obama administration announced that those who are eligible for COBRA continuation health coverage may opt, instead, to purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. 

Since October 2013, Freeman CACs have connected local residents with affordable, customizable health insurance through Missouri’s Health Insurance Marketplace. These individuals are still available to help local residents sign up for health insurance through the exchange. 

Consumers who currently have COBRA continuation coverage may qualify for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The deadline to enroll through this special enrollment period is July 1. Those not enrolled by that date must wait for open enrollment in November to obtain a new plan or wait for the next special enrollment period when their COBRA coverage expires.

Missouri Foundation for Health awarded Freeman an “Expanding Coverage” grant to help southwest Missouri consumers in Barton, Jasper, Newton and McDonald counties better understand the health insurance stipulations established by the Affordable Care Act, as well as enroll residents in the Health Insurance Marketplace. In partnership with other local organizations, Freeman used this grant to employ a highly trained team to provide awareness, outreach and health insurance enrollment.

Local residents with questions about the Health Insurance Marketplace can find answers by emailing marketplace@freemanhealth.com or calling 417.347.8888 or 855.355.PLAN (7526). 

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System has earned a number of US News & World Report distinctions – Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri, #4 hospital in the state, and High Performing status in seven specialties. The health system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. A not-for-profit health system, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, and women’s services and has more than 300 physicians on staff. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo.