Open Enrollment Reminders
The 2019 open enrollment period for health insurance through the federal Marketplace runs November 1- December 15. Those who currently have Marketplace coverage or need it in 2019 should take the time to shop for plans. If you already have coverage through a Marketplace plan, review your information to make sure it is accurate. You can update your application with any income and/or household changes. You might qualify for a different amount of help with costs or find a different plan that costs less or better meets your needs. Here are more facts for the 2019 plan year.
Penalties for not having minimum essential coverage repealed. Starting January 1, 2019, the tax penalty will be reduced to nothing. If you don't have major medical health insurance for the 2019 coverage year, you'll be on your own for major health care costs, but you won't be penalized at tax time.
Short-term, limited duration options may offer lower premiums, but they won't cover as much. Short-term, limited duration insurance is not available through the Marketplaces, but you may see it offered elsewhere. It allows coverage to fill temporary coverage gaps. While they're typically cheaper than the Marketplace and other individual market health plans, there are usually limited benefits, broader exclusions and higher levels of consumer cost-sharing. Before signing up for a short-term plan, it's important to think through what health care services you and your family may need and check whether those services are covered.
If you have questions about the Health Insurance Marketplace, contact us at 1-800-259-5300.
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Understanding Your Options
During the open enrollment period, families are encouraged to review available plans and determine which coverage works best for them. Here are a few health insurance considerations:
Medicare. If you’re near the Medicare eligible age of 65, you will need to decide whether you want traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Long-Term Care Insurance. Make sure you understand what a policy covers. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage.
Disability Insurance. Most individual disability insurance policies cut off at retirement age. If you’re still employed, you may want to keep your disability insurance in force until you turn 65 or retire.
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Consumer Alert
Medicare recipients are reminded to protect their personal information during open enrollment. Here are a few tips that can help you avoid becoming a victim of Medicare fraud.
- Do not give out personal information, such as Social Security, bank account numbers or credit card numbers to anyone you have not verified as a licensed agent.
- Do not believe anyone who tells you that your Medicare will be canceled unless you give them your Medicare number.
- Verify that a plan is an approved Medicare plan. All of the approved plans are available at www.medicare.gov or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE.
If you have questions, call our Senior Health staff at 1-800-259-5300.
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