If you miss your employer’s benefits enrollment deadline, you could lose insurance coverage for you and your family. Missing the deadline also means that you could be unable to make changes or enroll in new benefit programs until the next open period.
This is exactly what happened to Trish. 
Trish arrived at the Emergency Department at Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore for medical care. She was distraught when she arrived because she was in pain, but also because she was uninsured. 
After they completed Trish’s medical care, her care team asked the hospital’s financial advocate to speak with her.
Trish explained to the advocate that she had tried to get insurance through her employer, however, she didn’t submit the paperwork as instructed, causing her to be denied for health care coverage until the next open enrollment period. Trish was visibly shaking at the thought of receiving a bill from her hospital visit.
After hearing Trish’s story, the financial advocate helped her complete a financial assessment. She was able to help Trish gain approval for a 100% discount through the Advocate Aurora Health Patient Financial Assistance program. 

“You’re my hero!” Trish cried to the financial advocate when she heard the news.
Trish assured the financial advocate that she would request assistance from her employer’s human resources department during the next open enrollment period so she would have health care coverage in the future.