My general impression is that most Americans (myself included) only vaguely understand health insurance.

Every November, whether you receive coverage through your employer, the Marketplace, Medicare, or wherever else people get their health insurance, you’re prompted to enroll or re-enroll in a plan. And it’s complicated. There are premiums and deductibles and networks and a whole slew of acronyms – HSA, HMO, HDHP, POS, EPO, TLDR, OMG, HALP (okay, those last three aren’t insurance-related).

If you go to friends or family and only receive commiseration (or worse, an unwanted political conversation), where else can you turn for help? Our Community Resource Specialist, Libby, helped me curate this list:

Find Information and Assistance

• Covering Wisconsin
  • Covering Wisconsin is an outreach program from UW-Madison Extension that connects Wisconsin residents with health insurance and other programs that support health.
  • Connect with a Health Insurance Navigator who can help you compare plans and costs, submit applications for insurance, answer health insurance questions, and more. Make an appointment by calling (877) 942-6837 or schedule one online. These services are FREE.
  • Find Health Insurance How-To Sheets on a wide variety of topics, including signing up for insurance, financial resources, and using your health insurance.
• WisCovered
  • WisCovered is a state agency that educates Wisconsinites about their insurance options. It was designed to help you find a health insurance expert.
  • Connect with an expert for FREE assistance or use their interactive tools to explore your options.
• Marshfield Clinic
  • In Eau Claire, Marshfield Clinic offers free Health Insurance Marketplace Navigation support. Schedule an appointment by calling 715-211-5700.

Check if you qualify for…

• BadgerCare/Medicaid
  • Wisconsin’s Medicaid program serves individuals and families who are within income limits. See if you qualify and apply through the Wisconsin Access
• Family Planning Services
  • With a higher income threshold than BadgerCare, this service provides low to no-cost sexual and reproductive health care.
• Medicare
  • If you are 65+, you qualify for Medicare. Eau Claire’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) offers free in-person seminars and instructional videos to help you navigate your options.

Is internet access a barrier for you? The library provides free access to internet computers, no library card needed.

Need help calling to schedule an appointment? Our Community Resource Specialist can assist you during her office hours or by appointment.