What to Know about Open Enrollment Obamacare Health Insurance, Afforda

Obamacare Health Insurance:
Open enrollment period for 2015 coverage:
Nov. 15, 2014 to Feb. 15, 2015

For those who may be considering health coverage under the U.S. government’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) (also known as Obamacare) or looking to re-enroll, now’s the time. The enrollment/re-enrollment period has begun. If re-enrolling and wishing to change your insurance plan under ACA, the deadline is December 15. Here’s what else you may need to know…

 

What is the Affordable Care Act?

A few key features of the ACA:

• Provides access to insurance for uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions
  The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan provides new coverage options to individuals who’ve been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing condition. States have the option of running this program in their state. If a state chooses not to do so, a plan will be established by the Department of Health and Human Services in that state.

• Extends coverage for young adults
  Under the law, young adults will be allowed to stay on their parents’ plan until they turn 26 years old (in the case of existing group health plans, this right does not apply if the young adult is offered insurance at work). Check with your insurance company or employer to see if you qualify.

• Allows states to cover more people on Medicaid
  States will be able to receive federal matching funds for covering some additional low-income individuals and families under Medicaid for whom federal funds were not previously available. This will make it easier for states that choose to do so to cover more of their residents.

• Get all the details about the ACA at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website.

 

About the open enrollment period

What to know if you’re considering enrolling or re-enrolling:

• If you’re enrolled in a 2014 Marketplace plan, your coverage ends December 31, 2014. This is true no matter when your 2014 coverage began.

• To continue health coverage in 2015, you can renew your current health plan or choose a new plan through the Marketplace until February 15, 2015.

• If you want a new plan to start January 1, 2015, you must renew or change your plan by December 15, 2014. Learn about your 2015 options if you have 2014 coverage.

• If you haven’t enrolled in 2015 coverage by February 15, you generally can’t buy Marketplace health coverage for 2015 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

 

Tips for re-enrollment

Here are a few tips to consider when re-enrolling that may help the process go smoother for you.

• Shop around - Just because you’re enrolled in a policy now doesn’t means it’s the best deal for you next year.

• Don’t get billed twice - Insurers have expressed concerns that if a consumer changes plans, problems with the federal website might keep insurers from learning of the change and consumers could get billed for both plans. Just in case, keep proof of payment to answer any billing questions and once you’ve cancelled the old policy watch your credit card statements or, if the payment was deducted directly from a bank account, watch those charges to make sure you aren’t paying for two policies. And don’t cancel your current insurance until you have confirmation from your new carrier that you’re covered.

• Find out if you qualify for financial help - Enter your most up-to-date income information on healthcare.gov or with your state exchange to see if you are entitled to receive a tax credit toward the cost of your health insurance.

• Know all the costs of insurance - It’s not just the monthly premium that will cost you. Understand a policy’s out-of-pocket costs, things like co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles, before you enroll.
   
• Need help? - There are several ways to get help. Work with a local insurance agent or broker. Find one of the law’s trained navigators or assistors. Or call the federal consumer assistance center at 800-318-2596 for extra help or to find out if you’re eligible for a subsidy. Folks there can also help you enroll in a health plan or if you qualify, Medicaid, the federal-state program for low-income people.

 

Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families since 1992. In no way does Alternatives for Seniors endorse (or are we affiliated with) any plans that are covered under the ACA. The details here are provided for you information and education only, to help you make a decision that’s best for you.

Looking for a senior residence or care for yourself or a senior loved one? Call our Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) or visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home. Also, be sure to join our Facebook community and follow us on Twitter.

 

BLOG Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Writer: Ryan Allen