Taro Health urges eligible Mainers to Find Coverage During Open Enroll

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Van Allen
Broadreach Public Relations
jvanallen@broadreachpr.com

Taro Health urges eligible Mainers to Find Coverage During Open Enrollment

PORTLAND, Maine (November 22, 2024)—With less than three weeks left of Open Enrollment, Taro Health, a fully-licensed health insurance provider serving individuals, families, and small businesses in Cumberland, York, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc counties, is urging eligible Mainers who are without access to health insurance coverage through their employers, Medicare, or MaineCare, to find coverage through CoverME.gov, Maine’s official health insurance marketplace.

Mainers must enroll by December 15 for coverage that begins January 1, 2025. To enroll for 2025 coverage, Mainers must choose a plan by January 15, 2025. Employers and small businesses can buy or switch to Taro Health year-round.

On CoverME.gov, Mainers can compare private plans and enroll in a 2025 health and dental insurance plan. Though Maine’s uninsured rate is going down, some 80,000 Mainers still lack health insurance, according to data from the U.S. Census. Many of them are eligible for care under the Affordable Care Act.

“Too many people who are eligible for coverage through CoverME.gov don’t take advantage of their benefits, and risk going without coverage,” said Jeff Yuan, co-founder of Taro Health. “Without health insurance, you’re unlikely to seek the preventive care you need to keep healthy and run the risk that an illness or accident requiring medical attention will take a serious financial toll.”

As the Open Enrollment deadline rapidly approaches, Taro Health offers these 5 tips to eligible Mainers:

Look for comprehensive care. No one wants to change doctors or try a new hospital, especially when they are sick. It's important that you make sure that the plan you pick allows you to access the doctors, hospitals, and clinics that you know and trust, plus the best specialists. Look for plans with networks that include Maine’s two major integrated hospital systems, as well as regional networks.

Prioritize access to primary care. The vast majority of illnesses tend to be driven by everyday maladies like coughs and colds. For many folks, getting in for a quick visit to a primary care doctor can prevent a lot of disruption to work and family life. Look for a plan that doesn’t penalize you for seeking out the help you need, so you can remain healthy and productive. All of Taro’s plans have $0 copays for primary care.

Scrutinize the deductibles. Plans with high deductibles and low premiums can seem enticing to those looking to save money in the short term. Carefully compare deductibles and honestly assess how difficult it would be for you to come up with the deductible on the fly if you were in the middle of a medical crisis. You want a health insurance plan that is affordable when you’re healthy and when you get sick.

Consider mental health care coverage. While seeking out mental health care doesn’t carry the stigma it once did, the cost of mental health care often keeps people from seeking the help they need. A recent Gallup poll found that nearly one in five employees say they have poor mental health, and those employees have four times as many unplanned absences than their counterparts. Taro provides free outpatient mental health care with an unlimited number of visits.

Don't procrastinate! The longer you wait to check out the plans, the less time you’ll have to figure out a plan that truly meets your family’s healthcare needs. As the December 15 deadline draws closer, the consumer support lines tend to get busy. By starting the process of picking a plan now you’ll have plenty of time to get any questions answered to ensure that you find the best plan for you.

About Taro Health
Taro Health allows you to spend less and get more from your health insurance. Offering low-cost and low-deductible health plans through the CoverME.gov marketplace and for employers, Taro Health provides comprehensive coverage and better care. Taro Health partners with a broad network of doctors and hospitals you trust and provides exceptional access to best-in-class primary care providers who practice the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. Individuals, families, and small businesses between two to 50 employees are now eligible and can purchase Taro Health directly.

For more information, please visit https://www.tarohealth.com/.