Unauthorized switching of Affordable Care Act plans appears to have tapered off in recent weeks based on an almost one-third drop in casework associated with consumer complaints, say federal regulators. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees the ACA, credits steps taken to thwart enrollment and switching problems that triggered more than 274,000 complaints this year through August.

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Myth 1 – You can only get a health insurance policy during open enrollment which is Nov 1st – December 15^th. 

Many people don’t realize that there are numerous options outside of the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obama Care) that they can enroll in 365 days a year. That means that if you are between jobs, getting a divorce, leaving a corporate job to start your own business or have just moved into a new state, you can have health insurance effective immediately. 

From short term plans to a permanent plan with a rate lock on your monthly premium, there are many options available that will fit your needs and budget. 

Are you concerned about what these options will cost? Most of these options are a fraction of the cost of an unsubsidized Affordable Care Act/Obama Care plan. 

To receive your best return on your premium dollar spent, one should speak with a health insurance broker that specializes in Individual health insurance.

Now that the Affordable Care Act open enrollment is over, do you have remorse over how much you are paying for your health insurance? Many people experience this as they jumped into the ACA market place because they didn’t know there were other options available to them. However, there are options with no “open enrollment period” where you can be insured the next day. And did you know that you can cancel your ACA plan at any time… you are not tied into an annual contract.

If you did not qualify for a substantial premium subsidy, there are health insurance options outside of the Affordable Care Act that could fit more into your family’s needs and budget. What if you could save $200, $300 or more a month? Just think how you could use those savings in other ways… maybe you need more life insurance, a supplemental cancer plan or a college fund.

Health insurance is very important to protect you against financial devastation as it still is the number one reason for bankruptcy. However, you don’t have to settle for premiums that equate to a house payment. There are options and the InsuranceExperts.team can help you explore those options while being a resource for cost savings on medical services.

Now that the Affordable Care Act special enrollment period is expired, what choices to you have?

Short Term Medical Plans are available 365 days a year and offer coverage from one month up to 36 months. These plans have qualifying medical questions and pre-existing conditions are not covered. They are less costly than Affordable Care Act plans without a subsidized premium. Child-only plans are available.  All Short Term Medical Plans are Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO). These are a good option for those who qualify and want to enroll in an Affordable Care Act plan for 2022.

 

Affordable Care Act plans are still available if you have a qualifying event for a special enrollment period such as moved into the state, had a baby, got married, lost your job, are getting a divorce, etc. There is no underwriting for these plans and they cover pre-existing conditions. You may or may not qualify for a premium subsidy or cost sharing. Child-only plans are available. All Affordable Care Plans are Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO).

Indemnity/Limited Benefit plans are first dollar benefit plans that typically do not have a deductible and pay a set benefit for medical procedures. These plans can be less costly than either Short Term Medical Plans or Affordable Care Act Plans. They do not offer child-only plans. There is no network so an insured can go to any doctor of their choice.

All of these options require specific information to determine the best plan for your needs and budget. Please contact me to ensure that you are getting the right health insurance plan for you and/or your family. Just a reminder, there is no cost for my services.

October 15^th – December 7^th  – Medicare Annual Election Period. Changes can be made to Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Prescription Drug plans for an effective date of 01/01/2022.

November 1^st – December 15^th  – Affordable Care Act Plan Open Enrollment. This may be extended. You can enroll or change your Affordable Care Act Plan for an effective of 01/01/2022.

The ACA extended enrollment ends on Aug 15^th.  If you had unemployment benefits in 2021, you may be entitled to a larger subsidy.  Contact me for details!