Insurance sign-ups begin; help available
Health insurance sign-ups begin
It’s time to think health insurance.
There’s a sentence many Americans will dread reading. Picking the right plan every year involves sifting through deductibles, provider networks and other arcane terms that can quickly scramble the brain.
Don’t worry, though, help is available. It just may be harder to find this fall.
Here are some points to consider as you decide what coverage you need for 2019.
Start Soon
The sign-up period for next year’s individual health insurance coverage runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 in most states. Don’t delay.
Picking a plan can initially involve several trips to websites like healthcare.gov just to understand options. Shoppers who want to stick with the same plan must scrutinize it for changes.
That can take time that many people may not have in December as holidays and other yearend activities fill personal calendars. If you opt for assistance, remember that agents and other insurance experts will be helping others meet the deadline. Plan early to make sure you get an appointment.
Why bother?
That’s a valid question, since the federal government eliminated for next year the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that most people have coverage.
That means you won’t face a fine for remaining uninsured. And if you don’t sign up, you can avoid monthly coverage bills that often top several hundred dollars.
But remaining uninsured exposes you to even bigger bills.
A broken bone can cost several thousand dollars to fix. More complex problems like cancer can ruin patients financially.
This fall’s open enrollment window is for individual insurance that covers people who don’t have an option through work. If you miss the Dec. 15 deadline, you can still find short-term coverage. But those plans may not cover prescriptions or medical conditions you already have.
Seeking help
You can buy coverage through state-run insurance marketplaces or the federal government’s healthcare.gov website, SIGN-UPS >> PAGE 2