Need Health Insurance? Check Out the Working America Health Care Program

October 1, 2014

Sam Folio  -  former AFM International Secretary-Treasurer

Did you know an unexpected trip to the hospital could cost you and your family nearly $2,000 a day? The hefty price tag does not even include prescription drugs or medical procedures, which easily can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.

It’s no joke. Roughly 62% of all bankruptcies in the US are caused by soaring medical bills.

The good news is that in 2013 and 2014, more than 8 million Americans were able to find quality, affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplaces. Most of them received tax credits to help pay for the private company health plans. The average monthly premium was only $69.

Our friends at Working America and Union Plus are working with recommended licensed agents at GoHealth to guide you and your family through the insurance enrollment process and provide advice on your eligibility for tax credits and subsidies.

As an AFM member, by enrolling in a qualified health plan through the Working America Health Care program, you will also have access to several exclusive health-related member benefits, including a Health Advocate service* to help you coordinate your care, resolve claims, and answer questions about coverage. This service helps you:

• Negotiate complex bills to try to lower costs and establish payment plans by acting as a third-party negotiator with providers and insurance companies on your behalf;
• Find the best doctors and hospitals for your needs;
• Access a nurse helpline for explanation of conditions, treatment options, and doctor recommendations;
• Obtain appropriate approvals for needed services from insurance companies and providers;
• Locate elder care support services;
• Explain your covered benefits, in-network options, and more.

You can also take advantage of Union Plus dental care discounts and vision care savings to expand your coverage and help make your health care affordable.

Do you have a family member or friend who is not a member of a union? The Working America Health Care program is available to him or her as well. Participants of the program, who are not members of AFM or another union, are invited to join as members of Working America at no cost. As Working America members, they too are able to access exclusive health-related member benefits.

I encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity. AFM members can visit the website www.WorkingAmericaHealthCare.org/AFM or call 1-855-589-4253 to find an insurance plan that fits your needs and your budget. (If you live in Oregon or Washington State, call 1-800-560-7114).

If you enroll over the phone with GoHealth, don’t forget to opt-in to receive the free Health Advocate service that can help you coordinate your health care.

*Your eligibility for the personal health advocate service is based on your AFM membership and your completed enrollment in a qualified health plan through the Working America Health Care program. Working America and Union Plus, the provider of Working America member benefits, reserves the right to discontinue this service at any time. If you discontinue your enrollment in a health plan through the Working America Health Care program, your health advocate service will also end.

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