Reminder: Only a week left in health insurance exchange open enrollment
03/24/2014

 

With only a week left to enroll into a health insurance plan through the healthcare exchange, now is the time to learn more and get signed up.

 

As of last month, more than 5 million people have enrolled in private health insurance though the Obamacare exchanges. A majority of those enrolled have found that they are eligible to receive financial assistance to help pay the insurance premiums. Many are paying nothing after tax help.

 

We would like to remind some of our ESP and other school support staff who may not have health insurance or are paying for less beneficial and expensive plans, to learn more about what other health insurance options are available to them.

 

 

 

Per healthcare.gov, here are some important things to consider when choosing a plan:

 

• Plan category: There are 5 categories of Marketplace insurance plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Catastrophic. The health plan category you choose determines how you and your plan share the costs of care.

• Monthly premiums: This is the amount you pay your insurance company for your plan whether you use medical services or not. Monthly premiums are important, but they’re not all you need to think about.

• Out-of-pocket costs: It’s important to know how much you have to pay out of your pocket for services when you get care. You pay these out-of-pocket costs in addition to your monthly premiums.

• Type of insurance plan and provider network: Different plan types provide different levels of coverage for care you get inside and outside of the plan’s network of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical service providers.

• Benefits: All plans sold through the Marketplace provide the same essential health benefits, cover pre-existing conditions and offer free preventive services.

Now that you know what to look for you can preview plans and prices in your area and apply online. It takes most people 20 minutes or less to apply.