Healthcare Open Enrollment starts today

Open Enrollment is back! From November 1, 2018 to December 15, 2018, consumers will be able to shop for insurance coverage options through the individual health insurance marketplace. Even if you are currently insured, you can still take advantage of the Open Enrollment period to compare plan options and select a plan that better suits your budget and needs.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that marketplace premiums have dropped by 1.5 percent nationally. With regard to pre-existing conditions, all marketplace plans sold through HealthCare.Gov are required to provide comprehensive coverage to consumers and cannot discriminate against enrollees on the basis of health status. In addition, when you apply for insurance via the marketplace, you will be able to determine if you qualify for a premium tax credit. To find out if your monthly income range qualifies for a premium tax credit, please click here.

The National Consumers League encourages consumers to seek coverage via the Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant plans offered on the marketplace. These plans are required to cover the essential health benefits mandated by the ACA, ensuring that you have access to comprehensive care.

If you need assistance navigating the marketplace, you can find a healthcare navigator in your area to help in comparing coverage options that meet your needs. To find a navigator in your area, please click here. Most importantly, in order to have coverage that is effective by January 1, 2019, you must sign up by December 15, 2018.