Anna Enrolls: “It’s Such a Relief!”

“I got a great plan that I can afford. It’s such a relief!"

When Queens resident Anna M. came to CSS she had been uninsured for two years despite having health problems.  Lacking coverage through her part-time job, and not eligible for Medicaid, she started looking into her new options for 2014.  “I saw ads for the NY State of Health website, and went online to learn more.  I also saw that there were people who could help me understand the different plans and other information.”    To get assistance, Anna called the Community Service Society Navigator Network helpline and made an appointment to meet with a Navigator.

Anna met with CSS Navigator Leon McIntosh. Leon answered Anna’s questions about the new insurance plans available through the Marketplace, and explained how the financial assistance she was eligible for would help lower her costs. “Leon explained everything!”

Anna enrolled in a Silver Plan,” said Leon. “We learned she’s eligible for the Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC), which reduce her monthly premium from $385 to $81. She’s also eligible for the cost-sharing reduction, which brings her Silver Plan deductible from $2,000 down to $250.”

Anna shared what it means to now have coverage.  “I got a great plan that I can afford. It’s such a relief.  Before, I couldn’t afford to see my doctor, and the tests I needed cost $2,400. Now, I’ll pay $81 a month and get all the care I need.”

Originally from Poland, Anna has a message for her neighbors:  “Come in! The Navigators really want to help.  It cost me nothing to find out what I needed to know.”