Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment (Nov 1-Jan 15)
Individuals and families can enroll in a new health insurance plan at certain times of the year. That time is now! (Open Enrollment)
Individuals and families can do this by looking through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is an online shopping site for health insurance. Many people who enroll in a health plan through the Marketplace are eligible for savings. In fact, 4 out of 5 customers can find a plan for $10 or less per month, with financial assistance.
Open Enrollment is the window of time (time frame) in which you can change or enroll in a private health insurance, through the Health Insurance Marketplace. During this time frame, you can sign up for health insurance, adjust your current plan (i.e. change deductibles by going to a higher tier plan), or cancel your plan altogether.
Important Dates
·Open Enrollment is November 1-January 15
·Enroll by December 15th, 2024 and your health insurance coverage will begin on January 1st, 2025.
·Enroll by January 15th, 2025, and your health insurance coverage will begin on February 1st, 2025.
So, what exactly is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
• It is a service offered by the federal government, with a primary audience of individuals and families without health insurance, and small businesses.
• It fills the gap for those who do not have health insurance through their employer, a family member’s employer, Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP/Kid’s Care).
• There are a variety of plans that are low cost, including $0 premium plans for qualifying incomes.
• It allows for easy comparison between health insurance plans, so you can compare them side-by-side, in a clear and transparent manner.
How Can You Access the Health Insurance Marketplace?
• Website: www.Healthcare.gov
• Phone: 1-800-318-2596
• Please note, that if you qualify to enroll in Marketplace coverage through a Special Enrollment Period, you need to call the Marketplace Call Center to complete your enrollment. You cannot complete it online.
Where Can I Browse Plans Prior to Applying?
• https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/
What Else Should I Know about the Health Insurance Marketplace?
• Pre-Existing Conditions: You cannot be disqualified or charged more due to a pre-existing condition.
• 4 out of 5 people find plans for under $10 a month with the financial help option. The amount you pay is determined by your annual household income, your household size, age, and where you live.
• What’s Covered? By law, these include annual check ups, regular healthcare provider visits, specialists visits, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and prescription drug coverage.