open enrollment
Today is the last day of February which means we are only one month away from the end of the first open enrollment period for individual health plans. March 31st is the last day that individuals can sign up for coverage without a qualifying event, but there is one big question that is still looming – Will the open enrollment period get extended to a later date?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a report earlier this week with details about enrollment numbers and other information as it relates to state and federal insurance exchanges. Below is a list of some key information that was included in the report.
The Health Insurance Marketplaces, also known as the Exchanges, are supposed to be operational in two months. October 1, 2013 is the expected date when individual consumers and small businesses can start to enroll in coverage through the Exchanges for the 2014 calendar year.
Guidance issued on May 1, 2013 confirms that producers will play a significant role in helping individuals and employers enroll in coverage through the Federally-facilitated and State Partnership Exchanges.
Millions of Americans Countdown to October 1st
Less than 3 months from today marks the start of the 6 month open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As officials scramble to promote the new healthcare reform enrollment season, we at Flexible Benefit Service LLC (Flex) have been keeping up-to-date with the fluid changes of rules and regulations contained within the growing law.
More and more, employers are starting to offer high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) in their benefits program. Correspondingly, the rate of employees enrolled in a HDHP has grown year-over-year. Even though this isn’t the standard health plan option you might be used to, here are four reasons to be thankful for your HDHP this enrollment season:
- Covers 100% - Just like a traditional health plan, basic preventive services such as vaccinations and wellness exams are covered at 100%! You can stay proactive with your health care and save money.
According to a recent release by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Affordable Care Act will save the average person with traditional Medicare $5,000 through 2022.
Yesterday, millions of people in the U.S. became eligible to shop, compare and reexamine those Medicare plans. This combination of having the opportunity to save a sizeable amount of money during this limited time has lead to the phenomenon commonly known as the “annual enrollment period” or the “open enrollment period”, which sends millions of employees, friends, and family members into a shopping frenzy (this year lasting from October 15 – December 7, 2012).
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