Open enrollment can be VERY confusing…
When is it? How does it work? Why is it so hard to understand?
Have you been thinking about the 2019 healthcare open enrollment – yet not sure how to proceed?
Below, we have a guide that’ll walk you through the complexities of health insurance and share exactly what you need to know to get the best health insurance for you and your family.
What Is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment is a period of time annually when you can sign up for health insurance.
Individuals are able to enroll in Off- Exchange plans (no subsidy) any time of the year with a 90 days wait.
So, Open Enrollment is the time to enroll on On- Exchange with a subsidy or Off – Exchange Plans without a waiting period for 01/01/20.
If you don’t apply for health insurance during the open enrollment, then it’s highly likely that can’t sign up until the next open enrollment period, unless you experience a qualifying event. There’s another way around this – Outside of Open Enrollment you may still apply for health insurance but you may have a 90 day wait unless you experience a qualifying event.
So you need to make sure that you do NOT miss the deadline. Don’t let pre-existing conditions hold you back from applying – you may enroll during open enrollment regardless of pre-existing issues.
ObamaCare Facts – How Does Open Enrollment Work?
With Open Enrollment for ObamaCare, anybody is qualified for health insurance coverage.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Health insurance plans through your job may have different Open Enrollment windows, so check with your employer for dates.
- You can qualify and enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time during the year.
Open Enrollment Dates – When Is Open Enrollment For Health Insurance 2019?
The yearly schedule for open enrollment differ in the health care plan you choose:
- The Open Enrollment for Medicare starts from October 15 to December 7 every year. Bear in mind that this isn’t applicable to Medigap plans, which have no yearly open enrollment period. Medigap plans are only obtainable without medical underwriting during your first enrollment period or during one of the scheduled brief Special Enrollment periods that apply to those plans.
- Employer-based health insurance open enrollment periods are scheduled by your employer and can happen at any time of the year. But, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their employers if they are Off-Exchange or want to know how long their waiting period is. They may enroll themselves and their families during this time and cancel should their employer offer coverage at a later time.
- In the individual market or the Exchange, Open Enrollment has changed considerably over the last few years. With the 2018 coverage, the open enrollment period has settled on the 1st of November to the 15th of December, with all plans taking effect January 1 of the coming year.
This time period is scheduled in the years to come – while year-to-year changes will probably occur, it appears that this structure will be around for at least the next couple of years.
Open Enrollment Nevada – Does Nevada Health Insurance Have Different Dates Or Procedures?
Open Enrollment dates in some states vary, and in Nevada, the enrollment period starts at Nov.1 through Dec. 15, during which new or requalifying consumers can purchase their preferred health insurance plan.
There are no restrictions on the enrollment period for CHIP or Medicaid. If you qualify, coverage can start immediately, any time of year.
Do you need help in open enrollment? We can help you choose a schedule.
How To Apply For ObamaCare During Open Enrollment
One of the huge benefits of the Affordable Care Act (or ObamaCare) is that no one can be disqualified for health insurance based on their personal medical history.
But, in order to apply for health insurance, you’re required to sign up for ObamaCare during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP).
During that open enrollment period employees and their families have an option to enroll or change their coverage at that time.
1. Request A Quote
Signing up for Open Enrollment shouldn’t be hard once you know you’re qualified for coverage and have the necessary documents to support your qualifications.
Request a free quote today, so you’ll know which type of health insurance plan that’s suitable for you.
2. Determine Which Plan Works Best For You
Have you considered what sort of plan would work best for you?
Here are some things you can think about to determine which plan will work best:
- Cost of premiums
- Deductible and Out-of-pocket maximum amount
- Type of network (whether you want an HMO or EPO options)
- Which doctors you want to continue being covered under
- Which medications you want to be covered under insurance
These decisions can be hard. You usually hear that if you don’t go to the doctor often, you should opt for a plan with a higher deductible and a lower monthly premium. Or if you go to the doctor a lot, get a plan with a higher monthly premium and a lower deductible.
But, things aren’t always so straightforward:
There are several options available. Nevada Benefits agents are able to assist in advising the best plan that meets your needs.
3. Find Out If You Get a Subsidy
Income between 100% and 400% FPL (Federal Poverty Level): If your income is in this range, in all states you qualify for premium tax credits that lower your monthly premium for a Marketplace health insurance plan.
Income below 138% FPL: If your income is below 138% FPL and your state has expanded Medicaid coverage, you qualify for Medicaid based only on your income.
Income below 100% FPL: If your income falls below 100% FPL, you probably won’t qualify for savings on a Marketplace health insurance plan or for income-based Medicaid.
This stuff can get confusing:
Click below to get a free quote and we’ll let you know if you qualify for a subsidy based on household size and income.
4. Pay For Your Plan
When you decide to get health insurance, of course, you’ll make the effort to deeply understand how it works for you. No matter what type it may be, ensure your health and of your loved ones the best a plan has to offer.
We will assist with the application and payment processing to ensure your plan is enforced for 01/01/2020 effective date.
If you’re having confusions, wanting to know whether you’re eligible or otherwise, it all starts here, and a custom-made plan awaits.
Medicare Open Enrollment 2019
You can make specific changes to different aspects of your coverage during the annual enrollment period (AEP)
This table below shares the
- MA Initial Coverage Election Period
- Part D Initial Enrollment Period
- Annual Election Period
- MA Open Enrollment Period
- Special Election Period
- And Open Enrollment Period for Institutionalized Individuals
The Annual Election Period for 2020 coverage for Medicare will begin October 15th, 2019 and go December 7th, 2019.
What is the Medicare Special Enrollment Period?
There are instances where a person may enroll in Medicare outside of regular enrollment periods because of extenuating circumstances and this is known as the Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
If you apply for the Medicare Special Enrollment Period, the same can be done in Medicare outside of your General Enrollment Period (GEP), and the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).