Now what?

I bet you have a hundred good reasons for missing the deadline to sign up for health insurance. But, regardless of why you didn't sign up, if you are without health insurance after today (March 31, 2014), there are some things you'll need to know . . .

First, you've missed your chance to purchase an Affordable Care Plan until the next open enrollment period begins on November 15.

Second, you may be subject to some fines.

Are there any exceptions?
in order to get Affordable Care coverage or make a change in your existing coverage outside the open enrollment period, you must have a qualifying life event. Qualifying life events include:

·         Getting married

·         Having, adopting, or placement of a child

·         Permanently moving to a new area that offers different health plan options.

·         For people already enrolled in Affordable Care coverage, having a change in income or household status that affects eligibility for tax credits or cost-sharing reductions.

·         Losing other health coverage due to a job loss, divorce, loss of eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP, expiration of COBRA coverage, or a health plan being decertified. Voluntarily quitting other health coverage or being terminated for not paying your premiums are not considered loss of coverage. Losing coverage that is not minimum essential coverage is also not considered loss of coverage.

Most special enrollment periods last 60 days from the date of the qualifying life event.

Enrollment for small businesses
Employers generally can start offering health insurance coverage to their employees at any time during the year.

Medicaid and CHIP: Enroll any time
You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in your state at any time You can find out if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP by filling out an Affordable Care application or going directly to your state Medicaid agency.

If you have a qualifying life event or are shopping for coverage for your small business, call me at 440-255-5700 to discuss your options. Let me help you choose the coverage that’s right for you.

Open Enrollment for Affordable Care Ends March 31

Why sign up for Affordable Care now? 

  

Reason 1:  Affordable Care Plans will not be offered after the deadline.

If you miss the open enrollment deadline of 3/31/14, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period. After the deadline, you can purchase a new health plan only if you have a qualifying life event like a job loss, birth, marriage or divorce.

Reason 2:  The new Affordable Care Plans provide valuable, preventive care.

Staying healthy will be easier than ever before because preventive care will now be covered. Preventive services include diabetes and cholesterol screenings, mammograms and immunizations. You’ll also be covered for flu shots, smoking cessation programs, diet counseling and much more.

Under the Affordable Care Act, children under age 19 can get their teeth cleaned twice a year, as well as receive X-rays, fillings and medically necessary orthodontia. In addition, children under age 19 will be entitled to an eye exam and one pair of glasses or set of contact lenses a year.

Reason 3: You no longer have to guess whether you’re covered for many important services

You can rest easier knowing you are protected against financial setbacks from unexpected health care emergencies. The Affordable Care Act requires all health insurance plans to include the following ten essential health benefits:

●      Emergency services

●      Hospitalization

●      Laboratory tests

●      Maternity and newborn care

●      Mental health and substance-abuse treatment

●      Outpatient care

●      Pediatric services including dental and vision care

●      Prescription drugs

●      Preventive services and management of chronic diseases

●      Rehabilitation services

Reason 4:  You risk having to pay a penalty if you miss the deadline.

For the 2014 tax year, the penalty will be $95 per person or 1 percent of a household’s taxable income, whichever is greater, with the amount decreased by one-half for dependents under the age of 18. Those who choose to pay the penalty will receive nothing for it and will still be responsible for the full bill for any of their routine or emergency medical expenses.

Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act ends March 31^st so time is running out for you to sign up. Call me at 440-255-5700 to discuss your options. Let me help you choose the coverage that makes the most sense for you, your family and your budget. 

Home Visits Becoming the Norm

Don't be surprised if a representative of your Medicare Advantage Plan calls and asks if they can visit you. Home visits are becoming increasingly common and are helping to cut down on hospital readmissions and improve care coordination.

We are often seeing these visits in cases of people who have complex care management needs or who have just returned home from the hospital. If you are selected for a visit, you will be seen by a Registered Nurse or a Nurse Practitioner. Their goal is to make sure you understand and are receiving the care and medications you need.

The home visit will only take place with your consent. In addition, a doctor's order will be needed before a visit can be arranged. Both you and your doctor will receive a copy of all information gathered during the home visit.

Home visits are for your benefit. They are one more assurance that the plan for your recovery is complete.