How do I see plans and prices for open enrollment 2019?
To get health insurance quotes for you and your household, you’ll first need to make sure your financial and medical information is accurate and up-to-date when you’re ready to submit an application for coverage. You’ll need to have your proof-of-income, household income and resident information, and a few other tidbits of personal information available before you can complete an application. Working with an insurance agent can be helpful, particularly if you’re applying for an income-based subsidy or have complex healthcare needs. The Health Insurance Marketplace is very difficult to navigate unless you’re a pro in the insurance industry, but you never have to go at it alone!
For help gathering what you need to ensure that your application information is up-to-date and complete, connect with a Savers Health agent at 336-831-9121.
Keep in mind, plan prices vary by coverage type. Under the ACA, plans fall into different tier levels. Whether you opt for a bronze plan, silver plan, gold plan, or platinum plan will depend on your healthcare needs, lifestyle, and budget. Pro-tip: while silver plans have higher premiums than bronze plans, they can often help you save more money in the long run with lower out-of-pocket maximums and cost-sharing benefits.
While you can preview plans and prices without registering, you’ll get more accurate results by working with an agent who can ensure that your enrollment information is correct and that your plan quotes are the best fit for your unique healthcare needs and budget.
How long do I have to enroll?
Your opportunity to get health coverage closes on Saturday, December 15, 2018, when the official open enrollment period closes. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established the 2019 open enrollment period for major medical insurance plans with an effective date of January 1, 2019 as November 1, 2018 – December 15, 2018. During open enrollment, ACA-compliant insurance companies cannot turn you down for insurance based on a pre-existing condition, meaning you are guaranteed enrollment in a health insurance plan as long as you apply by December 15, 2018.
What will I need to enroll in a family or individual health insurance plan?
You’ll definitely need to provide proof of income before you can view the most accurate rates for your health insurance. Proof of income can include:
- Paycheck stubs
- A signed letter from your employer
- State or federal income tax returns
You may need to provide additional information related to your household income, how many dependents you claim, and social security numbers for members of your household. For more on what you’ll need to enroll, see: Here’s What You’ll Need for Open Enrollment 2019.
Can I still get insurance if I miss open enrollment?
Only if you qualify for a special enrollment period, during which you can enroll in health insurance outside of the standard open enrollment period. Special enrollment periods are open to people who have experienced a qualifying life event, such as:
- Loss of job and/or expiration of COBRA coverage
- Moved to a new coverage area
- Recently divorced or married
- Recently became a widow or widower
- Aged out of your parents’ coverage
- Recently became a parent
If you don’t qualify for a special enrollment period, you can still get insurance, but not major medical. Instead, you’ll need to consider short-term plans for your 2019 coverage.
