Patient Advocate Foundation and National Patient Advocate Foundation Release User's Guide To Health Insurance Marketplaces

HAMPTON, Va., Aug. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) and the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF), the nation's leading patient advocacy organizations, have collaborated with InsureUStoday.org and developed a comprehensive user's guide to help consumers access insurance products in the forthcoming Health Insurance Marketplaces, also known as Exchanges.  The release is in advance of open enrollment, to begin October 1, 2013, with plan coverage beginning January 1, 2014.

"Come October, health care consumers will gain access to a new array of coverage possibilities and as advocates for patients across the United States, we are proud to present and distribute the 2013 Health Reform and You, User's Guide to Health Insurance Marketplaces, " said Alan Balch, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of PAF and NPAF.  "Health Reform and You is an easy-to-read informational booklet designed to assist patients and consumers in understanding the changes and opportunities taking place in health care insurance for Americans."

Available in hard copy and online, the 2013 Health Reform and You User's Guide to Health Insurance Marketplaces is accessible by calling 1 (866) 207-8023 or at www.patientadvocate.org/marketplaces.

"PAF and NPAF are taking the lead on distributing the User's Guide to stakeholders across the country to ensure this vital information reaches patients and consumers who will need direction and guidance as they embark on a new way to access health care coverage," added Nancy Davenport- Ennis, founder and Chairman of the Board of both PAF and NPAF.  "PAF and NPAF are pleased to continue our mission to help every American in their quest for affordable health care. "

The 2013 Health Reform and You User's Guide introduces consumers to health insurance basics and new opportunities in easy to understand language, beginning with an introduction to what health insurance is, its necessity and options for procurement. The publication then introduces health insurance marketplaces as a new method for obtaining health coverage, helps consumers learn how to determine what coverage is appropriate for them and familiarizes the reader with assistance opportunities for those who cannot afford health insurance. The publication also addresses certain common questions and special circumstances that consumers may have, including what happens to a consumer's coverage if they move to another state, miss the enrollment period, and other scenarios.

About PAF:  Patient Advocate Foundation is a national non-profit organization founded in 1996, that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability. PAF's professional case managers received and resolved 109,147 cases in 2012 to patients representing 309 different diagnoses or health conditions.  PAF services are available to all patients, patient families, and medical professionals, offering nineteen programs and services ranging from case management to co-pay relief, as well as specialized support through the MedCareLine and the Financial Fund Division. Patient Advocate Foundation serves patients from all 50 states, and has physical locations in the top patient referral states including Texas, Florida, California and Virginia. For more information about Patient Advocate Foundation, please visit www.patientadvocate.org.

About NPAF:  NPAF's mission is to be the voice for patients who have sought care after a diagnosis of a chronic, debilitating or life-threatening illness.  NPAF has a seventeen year history serving as this trusted voice.  NPAF is also the coordinator of the Regulatory Education and Action for Patients (REAP) Coalition.  The advocacy activities of NPAF are informed and influenced by the experience of patients who receive direct, sustained case management services from our companion organization, Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF).

About InsureUStoday:  InsureUStoday.org is a collaborative effort of healthcare stakeholders to add clarity and take the confusion out of healthcare reform.  Our goal is to help improve your understanding of the benefits experienced as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (known simply as the Affordable Care Act).  Visit www.insureustoday.org for more information.

SOURCE Patient Advocate Foundation