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According to the Census, over 27 million Americans did not have health insurance in 2021, as Federal Marketplace deadline looms

We're fewer than two weeks from the end of the enrollment period for healthcare through the Federal Marketplace. KRPS's Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

First, to be eligible to apply for insurance through Healthcare.gov, you must live in the United States, be a U.S. citizen or national, and not be incarcerated. Also, there are two types of coverage: an insurance plan that can provide thousands of dollars worth of tax credits to make the plan affordable.

Or coverage through what is known as CHIP, the Children's Health Insurance Program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. All plans cover doctor's services, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, prescription drugs, pregnancy and childbirth, and mental health services.

Dental benefits are included in children's plans and are optional for adults. Also, pre-existing conditions are covered, and preventive health services like shots and screening tests are included.

There are over 60 plans available in Jasper county. The application deadline is December 15 for coverage starting on January 1, 2023. Healthcare.gov for more information.For 89 9 KRPS, I'm Fred Fletcher-Fierro

Since 2017 Fred Fletcher-Fierro has driven up Highway 171 through thunderstorms, downpours, snow, and ice storms to host KRPS’s Morning Edition. He’s also a daily reporter for the station, covering city government, elections, public safety, arts, entertainment, culture, sports and more. Fred has also spearheaded and overseen a sea change in programming for KRPS from a legacy classical station to one that airs a balance of classical, news, jazz, and cultural programming that better reflects the diverse audience of the Four States. For over two months in the fall of 2022 he worked remotely with NPR staff to relaunch krps.org to an NPR style news and information website.