By Jenni Marsh—
MUNCIE, IN—Open Enrollment for healthcare coverage is here, running from November 1 through January 15. This is the critical window for individuals and families who aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or employer-sponsored insurance to access health insurance that provides protection against unexpected medical costs and ensures access to preventive care. However, the enrollment process can often feel overwhelming, especially for those navigating it for the first time or those whose circumstances have recently changed.
For those in Delaware County and surrounding areas—including Randolph, Jay, Blackford, and Grant Counties—United Way partner, Open Door Health Services, is the local leader in providing free enrollment assistance through the Covering Kids and Families program. They have licensed healthcare navigators on staff ready to help residents understand their options and get enrolled. This support is completely free. Whether you’re a single parent, a young adult leaving your parents’ plan, or a senior unsure about your coverage, navigators are here to provide personalized, confidential assistance. Heart of Indiana United Way serves as the Covering Kids and Families lead in Madison, Henry and Fayette Counties.
Here’s what you need to know to get started:
- Marketplace plans are more affordable than ever: Recent changes have reduced deductibles and expanded tax credits, which means lower monthly premiums. In fact, many people will qualify for a free or low-cost plan.
- Assistance is available for those who recently lost Medicaid coverage: If your Medicaid, HIP, or HHW coverage has been discontinued due to recent redeterminations, navigators can help you find a marketplace plan or, if eligible, re-enroll you in a public plan like HIP or CHIP.
- Navigators offer more than just enrollment help: Navigators ensure that the plans you choose are accepted by your preferred healthcare providers, so you can keep seeing the doctors you trust.
- Coverage starts quickly: For those who enroll, coverage will begin on the first day of the month following your application—providing peace of mind as we head into the new year.
After the January 15 deadline, the marketplace will only be open to those who experience a qualifying life event, such as losing job-based insurance. However, enrollment in public plans like Medicare, Medicaid and HIP remain open year-round for those who meet income requirements.
This year, Open Door Health Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary of serving Delaware County families—a milestone Heart of Indiana United Way proudly celebrates alongside them. For 50 of our own 99 years, United Way has partnered with Open Door to provide essential health and wellness services to the community.
An issue of shared concern for both Heart of Indiana United Way and Open Door Health Services is the rising infant mortality rates in Indiana, particularly across the Heart of Indiana region. Early and consistent prenatal care is essential to giving babies a healthy start. Both Heart of Indiana United Way and Open Door are working to meet the needs of expectant mothers and their babies, providing wraparound support that extends into the early years of parenting.
One of Open Door’s hallmark programs is its OB Right Start Program, which supports pregnant women at every stage of their pregnancy.
To learn more about Open Door’s OB Right Start Program or for personalized help with your health insurance enrollment, contact Open Door, at 765-286-7000. Insurance enrollment appointments can also be scheduledat CKFIndiana.org or by calling 1-888-975-4CKF. For more general assistance, dialing 211 can connect you with local resources.
Jenni Marsh is president & CEO of Heart of Indiana United Way serving Madison, Delaware, Henry, Randolph, and Fayette Counties. She can be reached at jmarsh@HeartOfIndiana.org or 765-896-5902.
