Health insurance plays an important role in maintaining health and well-being. It’s especially important for people with Alpha-1 because it allows them access to care. There are many health insurance providers, each offering different plans or levels of coverage, some of which can be explored below.
Medicare
Medicare is health insurance for people who are 65 or older. People with certain disabilities, such as Alpha-1, may be eligible to get Medicare earlier.
Visit Medicare.gov to learn more about Medicare and your coverage options. You can only join, switch, or drop Medicare coverage at a certain time, called an enrollment period, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Open enrollment periods vary by state
Find your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment period
ACA Health Insurance Marketplace
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) gives more people access to health insurance. Use the ACA’s Health Insurance Marketplace to find health insurance options.
To be eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace, you:
- Must live in the United States
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present)
- Can’t be incarcerated
There is no income limit to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace.
Visit Healthcare.gov to find your state Health Insurance Marketplace. Each state’s Marketplace has its own enrollment instructions.
For Help
Medicare toll-free number: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs (SHIPs)
For issues and general questions regarding private insurance or Medicare, contact Cathey Henderson at 1-877-346-3212, Director of Community Programs, or by email at chenderson@alpha1.org
