10.9 CFHP Castro copy Community First Health Plans (CFHP), the largest nonprofit health plan in the Greater San Antonio area, has entered into an agreement with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide health insurance coverage through Qualified Health Plans on the federally-facilitated Marketplace.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most Americans will be required to have health insurance coverage starting on Jan. 1. Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace continues through March 31, 2014.
The City of San Antonio has also launched a website featuring an overview of the ACA that answers basic questions consumers and business owners may have.
Previously, people without insurance delayed dealing with preventable health problems until they became so serious that they used the emergency rooms of San Antonio hospitals for immediate care, Mayor Julian Castro told the San Antonio Express-News.
“Today, that ends. Today, they have the opportunity to get the health care coverage they need so that preventative care will make them healthier for a lifetime,” Castro said.
“It is something to truly celebrate. But the challenge is ensuring that folks who are uninsured enroll,” Castro added.
“We wanted this site to help provide clarity as there are many questions about who is required to get health insurance, which plans make sense for your family, and how much they will cost,” said Greg Gieseman, CFHP President and CEO.
“We encourage the public to visit www.CommunityFirstHealth.org and, if you have additional questions, feel free to call or email us.”
CHFP President and CEO Greg Gieseman was interviewed by the San Antonio Express-News about the ACA. Read the full story for more information about the rollout.