Confused about how to enroll in health insurance on the Marketplace? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through the process with simple steps and clear explanations.
Whether you’re a first-time enrollee or need to update your current plan, this guide will walk you through the entire process. From creating an account to selecting a plan, we’ll make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your health coverage.
Step 1: Create Your Account
First, you need to create an account on the Health Insurance Marketplace website. This is where you’ll apply for coverage, compare plans, and get help.
How to Create Your Account:
- Go to HealthCare.gov.
- Click on “Create Account.”
- Enter your personal information.
After creating your account, you can start your application and use the tools to help you find a plan.
Tip: Write down your username and password. You’ll need them to log in and check your application, compare plans, and make updates.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application
Next, fill out your application. You’ll need to provide information about your household, income, and any current health coverage. This helps the Marketplace find the best plans and financial help for you.
What You Need to Provide:
- Personal Information: Your address, household size, and income details (like pay stubs or tax returns).
- Income Details: Report your income and anyone in your household who works. This helps determine if you qualify for financial help.
- Current Health Coverage: If you have health insurance (like from a job or Medicaid), provide those details.
Tip: Be honest about your income and household size. Incorrect information can delay your application or cause errors.
Step 3: Compare Plans
After filling out your application, you can see the health insurance plans available to you. The Marketplace offers plans in different levels called “metal tiers” (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum). Each level has different costs and coverage.
About Plan Tiers:
- Bronze: Lowest monthly cost but higher out-of-pocket costs. Good if you don’t need much medical care.
- Silver: Moderate monthly cost and out-of-pocket costs. Good balance between cost and coverage.
- Gold: Higher monthly cost but lower out-of-pocket costs. Good if you need frequent medical care.
- Platinum: Highest monthly cost but lowest out-of-pocket costs. Best coverage for those who need a lot of medical services.
Tip: Think about your health needs when choosing a plan. If you’re healthy and don’t need many doctor visits, Bronze or Silver might be best. If you need more care, Gold or Platinum might be better.
Step 4: Apply for Financial Help
One big benefit of the Marketplace is financial help. Depending on your income and family size, you might get help to lower your monthly costs or qualify for Medicaid, which is free or low-cost health coverage.
To see if you qualify:
- The Marketplace will check if you can get help based on your income and household information.
- If your income is low, you might qualify for Medicaid.
Tip: Review all financial help options carefully. This can save you a lot of money.
Step 5: Final Steps & Confirmation
After picking a plan and applying for financial help, submit your application. You’ll get a confirmation with your coverage details, premium amount, and start date.
You should receive your confirmation within a few days, along with your first payment due date. Make sure to pay on time to start your coverage without delays.
Tip: Keep a record of your confirmation and first payment receipt. You might need them later.
Enrolling in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace is easy when you follow these steps. By using this guide, you can find a plan that fits your budget and get the care you need.
Remember: Open Enrollment ends on January 15, 2025. Don’t wait! Start today and get the health coverage you need. Let Aunt Martha’s help you get enrolled and stay covered.
The ABCs of Open Enrollment
Health Insurance Sign-Up
Important Dates on the Marketplace Open Enrollment Calendar
The Health Insurance Marketplace helps you find affordable health coverage. But you need to hurry! The sign-up time is short, so act fast to get your insurance for 2025.
Don’t go without coverage or financial help. Here are the key dates and tips to help you sign up.
When to Sign Up
The Open Enrollment period for 2025 starts on November 1, 2024, and ends on January 15, 2025. This is your only chance to get a health plan for the year unless you have a big life change.
If you miss this deadline, you might not have health coverage until next year. So, mark your calendar and sign up before January 15, 2025!
What If You Miss the Deadline?
If you miss signing up by January 15, 2025, you can’t get a plan until the next period in fall 2025. This means no coverage for a year.
But if you sign up before the deadline, you can avoid this problem. You might also qualify for a Special Enrollment if you have life changes like losing a job or moving.
Important Dates to Remember
- November 1, 2024: Sign-up starts.
- December 15, 2024: Last day to sign up for coverage starting January 1, 2025.
- January 15, 2025: Last day to sign up.
How to Get Ready
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Gather Documents: Have proof of income, Social Security numbers, and household info ready.
- Review Needs: Think about what coverage you need, like for prescriptions or mental health.
- Know Your Budget: Decide how much you can pay each month.
- Get Help: Aunt Martha’s Enrollment Assisters can walk you through the process.
Sign up by December 15th for coverage to start on January 1, 2025!
Need help? Call Aunt Martha’s.
Act today!
Don’t wait—sign up before January 15th to make sure you have health coverage. Aunt Martha’s can help you.
More ways Aunt Martha’s can help.
At Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness, we want to help you get the healthcare you need. The Health Insurance Marketplace is a place where you can find and sign up for health insurance. It was created as part of the Affordable Care Act (also called Obamacare) to make healthcare more affordable for everyone.
The Marketplace is a website where you can compare different health insurance plans in your area. The plans cover things like doctor visits, preventive care, and emergencies. The Marketplace can also help you find out if you qualify for financial assistance to make your insurance more affordable.
If you don’t have health insurance through your job or another program, the Marketplace is a great way to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Our Enrollment Team is here to help
Benefits of Enrolling in a Marketplace Plan
- Preventive care like check-ups and vaccines are covered at no cost to you.
- Having insurance protects you from high medical bills if you get sick or hurt.
- You can have peace of mind knowing you are covered for your healthcare needs.
Many people think the Marketplace is too expensive or complicated, but that’s not always true. You may be able to get financial help to lower the cost of your plan. Medicaid or CHIP may also be available for free or low cost.
Who can benefit from the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Marketplace is for a wide variety of people, including:
- Low-income individuals and families who may qualify for financial assistance.
- Young adults under 26 who need to find new coverage.
- Undocumented immigrants who can still access emergency care.
- Pregnant women who need maternity coverage.
- People who have lost their Medicaid coverage.
How to Enroll
Enrolling in the Marketplace is easy! Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit HealthCare.gov to start looking at plans in your area.
- Create an account on the Marketplace website.
- Fill out an application to see what plans and financial help you qualify for.
- Compare the available plans and choose the one that’s best for you.
- If you need help, call Aunt Martha’s Enrollment Team at (708) 747-7444 or check out our Health Insurance Resources to learn more.
Don’t wait! The deadline to enroll in 2024-2025 coverage is January 15, 2025. Find a plan that’s right for you and sign up today.
More ways Aunt Martha’s can help.
An Enduring Impact – A Tribute to our Friend
Nearly a week ago, our community lost a fierce advocate. Our friend and former colleague, Dan Strick, tragically passed away last Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
Dan joined Aunt Martha’s in the mid-1980s as a project coordinator in our Joliet office. Over the course of 15+ years, Dan’s role expanded significantly to include grant writing and community engagement and after establishing Aunt Martha’s presence in Kankakee working with runaway youth in our Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) program, he took on high level leadership roles, including Business Manager and General Manager before leaving to pursue new opportunies in 2001.
For those who had the honor of knowing Dan personally, we knew him to be a truly genuine, caring individual – a person who took a sincere interest in those around him, encouraging them to see and ultimately achieve their true potential. I will personally be forever grateful to Dan for bringing me into the organization 31 years ago when he served as Business Manager. It goes without saying that Dan left an indelible mark on the organization and there is no doubt his efforts significantly contributed to our success over the years.
Illustrative of the generosity Dan displayed throughout his life, in lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations to Aunt Martha’s or Sertoma Star Services in his honor. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan’s family and friends during this difficult time. Please join us in mourning the loss of a truly inspiring individual. May you rest in peace.
An obituary is available here.
Make a Donation in Dan’s Name
The Impact of Your Gift When you donate to Aunt […]In a groundbreaking initiative, Illinois has launched a Healing-Centered Task Force to address the impacts of childhood trauma. Raul Garza, representing Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness, delivered an inspiring speech at the launch event, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care. In this blog post, we will delve into the key points of his remarks and discuss the significance of this task force in Illinois.
History of Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness
Garza began by expressing gratitude for the invitation to share Aunt Martha’s story and highlighting the agency’s long commitment to serving children experiencing trauma. He traced the organization’s roots back 52 years when it started as a drop-in center in Park Forest. The drop-in center was created as a safe space for children who felt locked out or compelled to run away. Over the years, Aunt Martha’s services have expanded, reaching 35 locations statewide.
Evolving Care Models to Address Childhood Trauma
As medical and clinical understanding of childhood trauma evolved, so did Aunt Martha’s care models. Most notably, our Integrated Care Center, developed over several years and lauched in 2019, is the only medically-led child wellness program of its kind nationally. The center provides holistic and integrated care to the most acute children under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Garza stressed the need for a trauma-informed approach, showing how data from Aunt Martha’s indicates improved health outcomes for youth in their care. Acts of aggression, runaways, hospitalizations have reduced, and feedback from children and youth has been positive.
Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Health Conditions
Garza emphasized the connection between childhood trauma and various medical and mental health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, depression, and inflammatory conditions. Through their expansive network of clinics across Illinois, Aunt Martha’s has witnessed a 54% remission rate for depression within 12 months. This remarkable outcome has garnered recognition as a national model.
Redesigning the Juvenile Detention System
Garza proudly shared Aunt Martha’s involvement in the redesign of the juvenile detention system, collaborating with the Cook County Department of Juvenile Probation and Chapin Hall, the research arm of the University of Chicago. The goal is to create a state-of-the-art program that emphasizes assessing juvenile offenders, identifying necessary resources, and strengthening the family unit. Garza raised a concerning statistic that highlights the unnecessary incarceration of 40% of youth and children in Cook County’s juvenile detention. Aunt Martha’s aims to alleviate this situation by working towards alternative placements and support systems.
The Impact of the Illinois Healing-Centered Task Force
Garza expressed confidence in the Illinois Healing-Centered Task Force Childhood Trauma’s ability to make a significant impact on the well-being of communities throughout Illinois. Aunt Martha’s is excited to play a meaningful role in this collaborative effort. By bringing together various stakeholders and experts, the task force aims to develop comprehensive strategies to address childhood trauma effectively.
With the launch of the task force, Illinois is taking a significant step towards addressing the long-lasting impacts of childhood trauma. By fostering collaboration and implementing evidence-based strategies, the Healing-Centered Task Force has the potential to create positive change throughout the state.
Learn More
MacKenzie Scott Surprises Aunt Martha’s with $9M Donation
We are thrilled to announce that we have received an incredibly generous, $9 million dollar donation from billionaire Mackenzie Scott.
This unexpected gift will allow us to expand our services and positively impact more lives in Illinois. For over 50 years, we’ve provided essential healthcare and resources. But there’s always more that can be done.
Ms. Scott’s generosity will help us scale our programs in impactful new ways. From medical care access to youth development, more families will receive the support they need.
We’re grateful to CBS Chicago for originally reporting this story, bringing attention to Ms. Scott’s meaningful act of giving. You can find their article here.
Want to Know More?
We invite you to learn about the impact of our integrated model, read the latest messages from our CEO, and maybe even make a donation.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Dear Aunt Martha’s Family and Friends,
While you may already be aware that Aunt Martha’s became the recipient of a $9 million donation from Ms. MacKenzie Scott, may not know about the tremendous recognition we’ve garnered from the local media. Today, we’re proud to share a handful of examples of the coverage by The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun Times, The Daily Herald, Block Club Chicago, CBS Chicago, and Crain’s. It’s important that you’re aware of these stories, because you help make them possible. Every individual that has worked with us, supported us, and contracted with us over the years has helped make this outcome possible.
That being said, I am deeply honored and humbled to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the remarkable individuals and groups who have played an instrumental role in making this generous contribution to Aunt Martha’s a reality. Our success is a testament to the collective dedication, passion, and commitment of first and foremost our staff, but also our donors, stakeholders, consultants, volunteers, elected officials, advocates, partners, and of course the support of our Board of Directors. Other partnerships include the US Department of Health and Human Services, The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Cook County, the Managed Care Organizations that work closely with us, along with all the other funders that have supported Aunt Martha’s over the past several years. Whether we have been in partnership for a single day or the entire 51 years of Aunt Martha’s operation, each and every one of you has made this donation and recognition possible.
For over 50 years, our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly to transform lives by breaking down barriers, giving a voice to the marginalized, and caring for our most vulnerable neighbors. Yield Giving’s trust in Aunt Martha’s – based on the substance of our values and substantial value of our work – is a strong endorsement of our approach and our vision. The recognition we have received is a testament to the value that Aunt Martha’s creates for our patients, participants, and DCFS youth through our innovative, integrated, health model of care. It is also validation of our history of fighting for the equitable treatment of underrepresented individuals and communities.
We have had some generous donors over the years. I want to take this time to thank the individuals we recognized at our 51st Annual Gala as being the most historically prolific donors: The National Council of Jewish Women South Cook Section, Michael and Helen Arkus, Andrew Madigan, Harish Bhatt, Homero Tristan, Jake Miller, John Dvorak, and Tory Cosich, all of whom we are so very thankful for. Now, I am proud to name the newest addition of the list: MacKenzie Scott.
Beyond these individuals and groups, there is Aunt Martha’s Legal Team, who has made it possible for us to thrive even through hardship. Aunt Martha’s has a history of fighting for the equitable treatment of historically underrepresented individuals and communities. Whether it’s an association, advisory committee, healthcare institution, or municipality, Aunt Martha’s will always speak up for the proper care and treatment of those we serve – whether it be health center patients, DCFS youth in care, or participants in our community-based programs. At times, our willingness to take a stand publicly has made some individuals uncomfortable. For others, however, it has only increased the respect they have for Aunt Martha’s and the work we do. Because of that, we will continue to fight for whatever is right no matter how forceful the pushback may be, because even though it may be the hard thing to do, it is the right thing to do.
I would also like to thank the individual who had a vision 51 years ago, Mr. Gary Leofanti, to help the underserved populations and many communities. That one vision has now turned into over 30 locations that serve 600 communities and 105,000 patients annually.
Together, you have all demonstrated unwavering support for our mission, and your tireless efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of the communities we serve. Your collaboration and generosity have allowed us to expand our reach and continue our vital work. Aunt Martha’s stands as a beacon of hope and support for those in need, and it is thanks to your remarkable contributions that we can continue to provide essential services and programs to those who rely on us. Your belief in our cause and your dedication to our vision are the driving forces behind our continued success.
We look forward to furthering our partnership and achieving even greater milestones together as we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Your commitment inspires us every day, and we extend our deepest appreciation to each and every one of you.
Thank you for your invaluable support, and for being an essential part of the Aunt Martha’s family.
With gratitude,
Raul Garza
President and CEO
Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness hosted its gala, Our Donors, Our Future, on September 5th, at 167 Green in Chicago, IL. Attendees gathered to celebrate and recognize key honorees who impacted and supported the organization throughout the years.
“Aunt Martha’s opened in 1972 with a staff of twelve volunteers and a budget of $2,500. Today, we take exceptional care of more than 56,000 patients, including 12,500 uninsured children and adults, in some of Illinois’ most vulnerable communities. That’s work we cannot do without the generosity of our donors—the people we celebrate this evening,” said Raul Garza, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness.
During the donor recognition ceremony, Garza presented awards to eight honorees, including: Michael and Helen Arkes; Harish Bhatt, Basinger Pharmacy; Tory Cosich, Proven IT; John Dvorak, Wintrust Bank, N.A.; Sharon Johnson, National Council of Jewish Women; Andrew Madigan, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.; Jake Miller, Public Sector Solutions; Homero Tristan, Tristan & Cervantes Attorneys at Law.
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“It’s a privilege to share the stage with the donors we honored this evening. Aunt Martha’s has always been a place where every contribution is respected and welcome – whether that’s a donation, or a new idea, or an offer to lend a hand. The honorees tonight exemplify that spirit in their generosity and leadership,” said Garza as the evening concluded.
Individuals interested in donating to Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness can text AMHW2023 to 76278.
FINDING HELP FOR YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU CARE FOR IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK. IT IS ALWAYS OK TO ASK FOR HELP.
Aunt Martha’s Health Center believes that everyone deserves access to mental health support and resources, regardless of their background or financial situation. This week, we encourage people to seek help when they need it, and to celebrate every small success along the way.
Finding Help: It’s up to all of us to make it okay
Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or ethnicity. No matter who you are, it is always okay to ask for help.
It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues so that we can all work together to support one another. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms like changes in behavior or mood, feeling sad or hopeless, or withdrawing from family and friends, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. There are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is.
Here are some signs and symptoms of mental health issues to look out for:
- Changes in behavior or mood
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
You can ask for help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including:
- Your primary care physician
- A mental health specialist
- A crisis hotline, such as:
- the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
- 988 – a three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Illinois’s Medicaid Mental Health Crisis Line, CARES, at 1-800-345-9049
Finding Mental Health Resources
Aunt Martha’s Health Center offers a variety of mental health resources and services to support our patients. Our trained professionals can provide counseling, medication management, and other resources to help individuals manage their mental health. We also offer community-based services like support groups and referrals to specialized care.
But even if you’re not a patient at Aunt Martha’s, there are still resources available to you. You can start by talking to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a mental health specialist. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to find out what mental health services are covered under your plan. And if you’re in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for immediate help.
Supporting Each Other and Celebrating Small Successes
We all have a role to play in supporting each other’s mental wellness. Whether it’s sharing resources, encouraging others to seek help, or simply being there for someone when they need us, we can all make a difference. By doing so, we instill hope and can help others reach out when they need it most.
It’s also important to celebrate every small success along the way. Recovering from mental health issues can be a challenging journey, but every step forward is worth celebrating. Whether it’s attending a therapy session or trying a new coping skill, every effort counts towards improving mental health.
Ask for Help. It’s a sign of strength.
At Aunt Martha’s Health Center, we believe that mental health is a critical component of overall wellness. By making it okay to seek help, finding mental health resources, and supporting each other along the way, we can create a community that values mental health and supports those who may be struggling. Remember, seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of strength, and supporting others in their journey towards mental wellness is a powerful act of kindness. Let’s work together to create a world where mental health support and resources are accessible to everyone, and where we can all celebrate every small success along the way.
Take your mental health to the next level with Aunt Martha’s
Self-care is the practice of taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to cope with stress, prevent illness, and enjoy life.
Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. When our mental health is good, we are able to cope with stress, make healthy choices, and have fulfilling relationships. But when our mental health is not so good, it can lead to problems such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
There are many things that we can do to maintain good mental health. One of the most important is self-care. Self-care is anything that we do to take care of our physical, emotional, and mental health. It can include things such as eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising, spending time in nature, and connecting with others.
Self-care is not selfish. It’s essential.
Self-care is the practice of taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s not selfish or indulgent; it’s necessary for your health and happiness. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to cope with stress, prevent illness, and enjoy life.
But what does self-care look like? Well, it can be different for everyone. Some people may find self-care in relaxing activities like meditation, yoga, or reading a book. Others may prefer more active or social forms of self-care, like exercising, spending time with friends, or pursuing a hobby. The important thing is to find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.
Better self-care. It literally starts with You.
Not sure where to get started with self-care? Don’t worry, like talked about last week, small actions can have a big impact. Give yourself a boost by adding any of these tips and routines to your self-care plan today. And remember, with Aunt Martha’s as your medical home, you will have a team of pros who are ready to help you reach your personal health and wellness goals. That’s what we do!
2023 Mental Health Awareness Month
Eight self-care tips and routines you can start using today
Live healthy.
Eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and avoid substances that can harm your health.
Manage stress.
Learn to recognize and cope with stressors in your life, and seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed or depressed.
Practice good hygiene.
Keep yourself clean and comfortable, and treat yourself to things that make you feel good, like a massage, a haircut, or a new outfit.
See friends.
Connect with people who support you, understand you, and make you laugh. You don’t have to face your challenges alone.
Do something you enjoy.
Whether it’s listening to music, watching a movie, playing a game, or creating something, find time to do things that bring you joy and satisfaction.
Find ways to relax.
Try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery. You can also use apps or online programs that teach you how to relax.
Set goals and priorities.
Decide what’s important to you and what you want to achieve in your life. Break down your goals into manageable steps and celebrate your progress. Learn to say no to things that don’t align with your values or goals.
Practice gratitude.
Appreciate what you have and what you’ve accomplished. Express your gratitude to yourself and others. You can also keep a gratitude journal or use an app that helps you cultivate gratitude.
It’s your self-care journey. We’re here to help along the way.
Self-care is not a one-time thing; it’s a lifelong commitment. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for you, but don’t give up. You deserve to take care of yourself and be happy.
Tell us what self-care looks like to you
We’d love to hear from you: What does self-care look like to you? How do you practice self-care in your daily life? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below or on our social media platforms.
And don’t forget to check back next week for more mental health tips and resources!
Take your mental health to the next level with Aunt Martha’s
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Find a location or call 877-692-8686.
