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A Joint Project of the Maine
Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods |
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Volume 9 No. 2 |
August 2005 |
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MAIN
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A Joint Project of the Maine
Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods |
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Volume 9 No. 2 |
August 2005 |
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DirigoChoice Enrollment Opening up
for More Individuals and Sole ProprietorsOver 8,000 people have already enrolled in DirigoChoice – the State’s new effort at getting affordable health coverage to small businesses and individuals. About 80% of them have income low enough that they are benefiting from the state subsidies that reduce the monthly payment and deductible.
Concerned that the cost of covering individuals would be high, the Dirigo Agency capped the number of individuals and sole proprietors who could enroll in DirigoChoice at 4,500 people in 2005. That number was reached early this summer and, as a result, about 3,000 people who want to enroll in DirigoChoice are now on a waiting list.
We have good news, however! The cap on the number of individuals and sole proprietors who can enroll will be lifted! The people on the waiting list and other individuals and sole proprietors who want to join will be able to sign up, starting October 24, for coverage that will begin in January. As the cap is lifted, the way subsidies for individuals are calculated will be changing. We will provide more information about the new calculation in the next MAIN Update.
If you are already on the waiting list, DirigoChoice will be contacting you. If you are not on the waiting list you can just apply in November. If you have questions about enrolling as an individual you can call 1-800-585-0099 for more information. There is no cap on the number of small businesses (who employ 2 to 50 eligible employees) that can enroll. If you have a small business, you can call 1-800-541-4251 to enroll now.
Important note: The rate you will be quoted by Anthem or an Anthem appointed insurance agent will be the full cost of the monthly payment. If you are eligible for a subsidy, the total monthly cost you pay will be lower. This discount estimator can help you estimate the discount you will get.
