Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Begins November 1st

The period to enroll or renew health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Marketplace, is just around the corner.

This year the enrollment period is significantly shorter making December 15th the deadline if you want to have health coverage in 2018. Otherwise, unless you have a qualifying life change, you will not be eligible for coverage until 2019.

It’s important to know the details around the open enrollment schedule and to not delay updating your information and choosing a plan.The federal health insurance website will be closed overnight the first day of open enrollment (Nov 1st). The site will also be down all but one Sunday during the shortened enrollment period. Act now to avoid any additional delays.

In NC, both BCBS and Cigna plan to offer plans, though only BCBS is available in all counties.

If you currently have coverage, visit your renewal page early to update any life changes including financial information. Plans and pricing are scheduled to be available shortly before enrollment opens on November 1st.

Help is available for anyone who wants to learn more about the ACA and/or enroll. It may be harder to find this year, but there are groups dedicated to helping folks navigate insurance options. Two resources are www.ncgetcovered.org and www.healthcare.gov.

While the debate in Washington continues around the Affordable Care Act, remember it is still the law and still the only place many can obtain insurance outside of an employer based plan. Don’t miss out on critical health care coverage as we work toward the example set by the original universal health care provider,  Jesus Christ. We will continue to urge policymakers to leave behind partisan politics in order to improve everyone’s access to affordable health care coverage.

Dates to remember:

• Late October – rate notices will arrive in the mail with details on your current health plan and monthly premium if you are currently enrolled.
• November 1st – Open enrollment begins. This is the first day you can enroll for the first time or make changes to your current plan.
• December 15th – Open enrollment ends.