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Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 Help Line
The Heart of Illinois United Way and Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) of Central Illinois have partnered to provide Heart of Illinois 2-1-1, a comprehensive information and referral line to connect callers to critical health and human care programs. The 2-1-1 Helpline is available 24/7 and is operated by local, knowledgeable information specialists and medically-trained staff.
Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 can provide information and assistance in a variety of categories, including: food resources, housing and utilities, clothing and household items, education, legal and public safety, transportation, mental and physical healthcare/wellness, income support, employment, and more.
To contact the Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 Helpline, call 2-1-1 or (309) 999-4029 or visit www.211hoi.org.
Health Insurance & Affordable Care Act
In March of 2010, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. This federal law focuses on consumer choices and protections and makes it easier and more affordable for individuals to find and enroll on the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace or apply for the expanded Medicaid program online or call 866-311-1119, Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment - November 1 to January 31
Each year, the Health Insurance Marketplace plans an Open Enrollment period for individuals to enroll, renew, or change their marketplace healthcare insurance plans.
Special Enrollment Periods
Some people qualify for Marketplace Special Enrollment Periods throughout the year. If you missed the deadline to purchase health insurance coverage, you may still be able to enroll in a Marketplace plan if you have experienced certain life changes, like having a baby or getting married, or if a complex issue prevented you from enrolling or re-enrolling in coverage during the Open Enrollment Period. Call to see if you qualify.
Medicaid Enrollment
Medicaid Enrollment is open all year long. There is no closed enrollment period for individuals to apply for the Medicaid program.
Peoria Area Application Assistance & Appointments
In the Peoria area, get local help with applications to purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace or to see if you qualify for Medicaid programs. Learn more about insurance plans and what they cover. Call 309-680-7632 for an appointment with an in-Person Counselor at the Heartland Community Health Clinic. Use Make An Appointment to find an additional trained assister nearby.
Medicare Open Enrollment - October 15 to December 7
Medicare provides a yearly open enrollment period when individuals with Medicare can change their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage for the following year. People with Medicare can call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit the Medicare website for plan information. If a person is satisfied that their current plan will meet their needs for next year, they don’t need to do anything.
SHOP Marketplace
The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace is for small employers (50 or fewer employees) who want to provide health and dental coverage plans to their employees - affordably, flexibly, and conveniently. You can start offering SHOP coverage to your employees any time of the year.