Need help enrolling on healthcare.gov? Free workshops with DCMC's Certified Application Counselors.
Accessing quality healthcare is a basic right, yet for many individuals, navigating insurance options can be daunting. To ease this process, Door County Medical Center (DCMC) offers open enrollment workshops, providing personalized guidance to individuals and families seeking healthcare coverage.
What Are Open Enrollment Workshops?
At DCMC's Patient and Financial Services location in the Cherry Point Mall, folks can schedule one-on-one sessions with our certified application counselors. These workshops cater to anyone requiring marketplace enrollment or seeking to explore better financial and coverage options. Although there are limitations for individuals with employer-offered group insurance, DCMC evaluates these cases individually.
"Individuals can call or enroll themselves, but we add a personal touch and ask questions that folks might not consider," says Ashley Moede, Director of DCMC Patient Financial Services.
What to Expect at the Workshops
Certified application counselors assist individuals in enrolling in marketplace coverage. Their role involves guiding applicants through the application process and answering questions regarding insurance. DCMC has nine certified application counselors dedicated to assisting individuals through this process. There are absolutely no "stupid questions".
To ensure accurate guidance, DCMC requests individuals to bring their latest income/tax information. This aids in multiple ways, such as facilitating the application for Community Care (financial assistance) and thoroughly reviewing all countable income.
Understand Benefits and Coverage
The workshops aim to personalize the insurance selection process. Counselors engage individuals with thought-provoking questions: Are there specific medications to be covered? Do they require services from specialists outside DCMC? Planning any major procedures? These questions enable a tailored insurance plan to suit individual needs.
Counselors also assist individuals in comprehending insurance benefits and coverage. Questions like whether specialty doctors are covered, differences between copay and high deductible plans and what happens if estimated income is incorrect, can be addressed.
DCMC's Commitment to Accessibility
DCMC has been offering enrollment workshops for ten years, aiming to bridge the gap for those lacking access to computers, as well as those needing assistance with their application completion.The workshops reflect DCMC's commitment to ensuring patients have access to healthcare coverage and financial assistance, promoting community well-being.
"In our community, not everyone has a computer and internet to enroll and we make this possible–we want our patients to have insurance for their health," explains Moede. "We want them to be able to come to the doctor for treatment and not worry about not having insurance. We also want patients to plan for the unexpected."
Open Enrollment Dates:
The workshops coincide with open enrollment periods, which are listed below. DCMC also extends support throughout the year for special enrollment periods, income adjustments, and non-marketplace questions.This service is free to anyone seeking assistance in navigating healthcare insurance choices, regardless of patient status at DCMC.
November 1 to December 15 for coverage starting January 1, 2024
December 15 to January 15 for coverage starting February 1, 2024
At DCMC, these workshops aim to simplify the complex world of healthcare insurance, ensuring everyone can access quality care without unnecessary stress or confusion. Whether in-person or over the phone, DCMC's certified application counselors are dedicated to guiding individuals through their healthcare coverage journey.
Appointments are available M-F 8am to 3pm (arrangements can be made outside these hours upon request). To make an appointment call 920-746-3502 then select option 2.