Each year, there are set dates when individuals and families can buy or change their health insurance. This time period is called Open Enrollment. For 2018, Open Enrollment starts on November 1, 2017 and ends on December 15, 2017. In Colorado, Open Enrollment ends on January 12, 2018.
Via Optima Healthcare provides a great overview below of healthcare FAQ’s.
With the induction of the Affordable Care Act all individuals are required to have health insurance, with a few exceptions.* The following is a list of things you may do to ensure you are ready for the Open Enrollment Period:
- Educate yourself on the different types of health plans being offered (through an employer or insurance carrier).
- To get started, watch these videos:
- Find out if your employer will offer coverage or if you need to purchase an individual health insurance plan.
- Are you under the age of 26? If so, you may be able to stay on a parent’s health plan until your 26th birthday. Speak with your parents about your options.
- Understand how deductibles, copayments and coinsurance work.
- Gather information on your household income—you may qualify for a subsidy or cost-sharing reduction.
- Set your budget. Larger premiums usually mean lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, office visits and procedures, and vice versa. How much you can afford for a premium, out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles, coinsurance and copayments are all important considerations when selecting the health plan that best fits you and your family’s needs.
*Please visit healthcare.gov to find out if you may be excluded from the health insurance requirement.
