Open enrollment begins for Access Health CT plans

Open enrollment for 2020 health plans on Connecticut’s insurance exchange is now underway. It’s the seventh enrollment period for the state’s marketplace, and despite a recent drop in the number of uninsured people, health officials are still trying to reach the nearly 187,000 residentswho lack coverage.

Employees at Access Health CT, Connecticut’s exchange, have planned a series of fairs, community meetings and other strategies for getting theword out and fielding questions about the enrollment process. AccessHealth representatives will visit Bridgeport, Fairfield andNorwalk in the comingweeks.

Customers have 45 days to sign up.

When is it?

The open enrollment period for 2020 health plans on the exchange runs through Dec. 15. The coverage takes effect on Jan. 1.

Whois on the exchange?

Two carriers are selling individual policies on the state’s marketplace— Anthem Health Plans and ConnectiCare Benefits Inc. Those insurers also sell small group plans on the exchange foremployers with 50 or fewerworkers. The carriers are offering 17 individual plans and 14 small group plans. The number of policies is unchanged from the previous year, though some of the individual planswere discontinued and some are new.

Are premiums changing?

That depends. Peoplewho receive federal subsidies–about half of those who buy coverage through Access Health—will see a decrease in their premiums. Most consumers enrolled in bronzelevel planswho receive subsidies will see a $ 58permonth drop in premiums; more than half of those in silverlevel planswho get subsidies will see a $ 94permonth decrease; and themajority of people in goldlevel plans with subsidies will see an $ 85permonth drop.

Consumerswho are ineligible for subsidies and are enrolled in goldlevel plans will see an average increase of $ 116 in theirmonthly premiums. Those enrolled in silverlevel plans will face an average hike of $ 66 per month, and those with bronze policies will see an average $ 59monthly increase, according to a report prepared by the actuarial firm Wakely. The report did not take into account copayments, deductibles and other expenses borne by the consumer.

Did the state approve rate hikes?

Yes. In July, Anthem asked for a 15.2 percent average increase on individual plans that cover about 27,300 people. The state insurance department approved a 6.5 percent hike for those policies.

ConnectiCare requested a 4.9 percent increase on individual plans that cover about 75,600 people. The insurance department signed off on a 2 percent average increase.

Anthem also had sought an average hike of 14.8 percent on small group plans on and off the exchange, while ConnectiCare asked for a 4.8 percent average increase for small group plans marketed through Access Health. The insurance department approved ConnectiCare’s full request, but signed off instead on a 14.3 percent increase forAnthem’s policies.

The carriers have cited several reasons for seeking the rate hikes, including rising medical costs, an aging insured population and the return of a federal tax.

Howdo I sign up?

Consumers can visit Access Health CT. com or call 8558054325.

The exchange has organized 30 enrollment fairs across the state through Dec. 15. Alist of locations and times can be found here. In Fairfield County, a center is open at 1Public LibraryPlaza in Stamford weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and accepstwalkins.

Exchange officials ask that residents have this informationwhen signing up: Date of birth; Social Security number; visa, green card or immigration documents; the most recentW2 and/ or IRSForm1040 andForm 1099; pay stubs, profit and loss statements or otheremployment verification; and current insurance coverage ( if applicable).

Peoplewhose income falls below400 percent of the poverty level can get a discount on their premiumsif they buy coverage through the exchange. The discount comes in the form of a federal tax credit, paid either in advance to the insurance company to supplement the customer’s premiums, orwhen the person files taxes for the year.

Can I sign up after Dec. 15?

Only in certain circumstances. Some people can sign up during a special enrollment period if they’ve had a qualifying life event such as amove, getting married, having a baby, adopting a child or losing health coverage.

Peoplewho qualify forMedicaid, known asHUSKYin Connecticut, can sign up at any time during the year.