How to Get Ready Before Open Enrollment on November 1

You may have seen some headlines in recent days warning that Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance plans could cost up to 43% more next year. Such an increase would be terrible, but here are some reasons why you shouldn’t worry:

The proposed rate increases are just that – a proposal. The actual costs could end up being lower.

If premiums go up, your financial assistance will, too! As long as you make less than about $50,000 a year as a single person, you are eligible for a tax credit that can help you pay for your insurance.

In-person assistance is available (for free) to help you navigate your options and find a plan that gives you the most for your money. Plans are required to cover essential health benefits like mental health visits, prescriptions, and free preventive care. Even with rising premiums, you can still find a plan that meets your needs.

Still concerned? Here are some things you can do to prepare:

Make a list of all your doctors, medications, and upcoming medical expenses (i.e: surgeries, pregnancies) so you know what you need when Open Enrollment comes around.

If you have an account on healthcare.gov already, make sure you remember your username and password. If you can’t login, use the online reset button or call the Marketplace at 800.318.2596 to reset it. Write this down and keep it in a safe place.

Set an alert for November 1! Open Enrollment is only six weeks this year. If you don’t enroll between November 1 and December 15, you may end up without insurance for all of 2018. Even if you already have a plan, you may save a lot of money by switching to a different one.

Call us at 773.388.8683 to get your questions answered or to schedule an appointment!