By Hunter Fisher

Nearly 10,000 Rowan County residents may be eligible for expanded Medicaid health coverage. On Dec. 1, approximately 4,000 of these individuals will be automatically enrolled in Medicaid expansion. But thousands more eligible for this new Medicaid benefit as well as thousands that may qualify for a subsidy on the health insurance marketplace must take steps to be informed and get covered.

Those of us in the know — health benefit professionals like me — need to be a conduit of information as to what these folks should do and what they should expect. 

First, expansion finally gives us all clarity around who is eligible for Medicaid coverage, North Carolinians with incomes of up to 138 percent of federal poverty level (FPL) or an annual income of $20,000 for a single adult or $41,000 for a family of four now qualify. Income levels are now the only determinant for eligibility for expanded Medicaid.

Insurance professionals now have a clear line to move forward with private insurance options or direct clients to begin the application process for expanded Medicaid. Prior to expansion, we had to encourage people right at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level to work extra hours just to qualify for healthcare marketplace subsidies. Some would still not get there and remain under/uninsured. I’ve rarely felt lower than seeing someone go without coverage because they were ineligible for subsidies and also not eligible for Medicaid.

Of course, attaining insurance requires a little effort — but it is always well worth it. Preventive care saves lives and money. And there is nothing like getting the treatment you or your family need when it’s needed. 

 So I want to issue a full-throated call to my fellow benefit consultant to play an active role in helping consumers understand the American healthcare system. We must be committed to a simple goal: To promote access to affordable healthcare whether people buy a policy through us, enroll in their employer’s coverage, or qualify for Medicaid. We all have a role in expanding hope and health.

Hunter Fisher is the head of benefit sales at Fisher Greene Walker Hill Insurance in Salisbury.