The early days of the Biden Administration served as the catalyst for a range of executive orders, one of which directly modifies the health care marketplace enrollment period in an effort to combat the pandemic. As a result, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been tasked with expanding access to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The response prompted the announcement of a broad Special Enrollment Period (SEP) running from February 15 through May 15 along with a commitment to spend $50 million on educating Americans on the new offering and raise awareness for those who may not know about this limited time enrollment period.
To add to the list of directives, carriers have been tasked with crafting health insurance policies that no longer exclude individuals with pre-existing medical conditions and to also include coverage for COVID-19 and all related complications. Carriers are also ordered to no longer produce policies that undermine the Health Insurance Marketplace or create any policies that make it impossible for individuals to enroll in the ACA. This executive order is just the first step in a series of healthcare reform initiatives that will take place over the term of the Biden administration.
Where does all of this leave you?
The new plan options in the marketplace and general overall complexity of the ACA have left much of the general population overwhelmed and in need of guidance. In a move to meet this need, marketplace-eligible consumers will be able to access the SEP through a variety of channels including a newly established network of certified agents and brokers along with other direct enrollment methods. As an affordable Texas health Insurance broker, our team has the experience needed to help clients navigate the maze of options while finding the right coverage for their needs. Using a full-service brokerage like us means you pay no fees to access our services. We draw on our vast industry knowledge to provide you with an all-encompassing approach that will benefit you greatly in your quest to secure adequate and cost-effective health insurance.
What if you are already enrolled in the SEP and need guidance on switching plans?
Existing enrollees can also benefit from the SEP. During this time, you will be able to switch to locally available plans without losing any of the coverage levels you currently hold. To access the SEP, some adjustments will need to be made to your current application. This is best done under the guidance of a certified broker or Marketplace consultant who will be able to ensure there are no delays in the process and that you take advantage of all the benefits afforded to you during this enrollment period.
The plans I qualified for are out of my price range, what plans are there outside of the Affordable Care Act that will work for me?
While the ACA has revolutionized healthcare as we know it, there are some instances where a generally healthy individual may not need all the benefits of a typical Obama Care or HMO plan. Luckily, there are options available to you so you can avoid paying the high premiums if you do not qualify for reduced pricing. Our brokerage can help you secure short term health insurance in Texas that will serve as a viable alternative to the HMO plans. However, securing one of these short-term PPO plans does not necessarily mean you will get a reduced coverage period, in fact, many of these plans can now be locked in for up to 3 years at a time with the 12-month option usually providing the most attractive premiums and coverage benefits.
How do I know I am getting the best healthcare coverage when there are so many different options?
The new broad SEP coupled with the directives in the executive order can be overwhelming for someone on a quest to obtain individual health insurance in Texas. Our brokerage is ready and available to guide you through the entire enrollment process so that you can be confident in knowing you fully understand all the options out there. The health insurance landscape may be ever-changing, but our dedication to finding the right coverage for you remains consistent.
Secure Affordable Health Insurance Today, With Custom Health Plans.
If you know that you need health insurance but need help with navigating the different options, Custom Health Plans, Inc. can help. We are a team of experienced licensed Texas health insurance brokers dedicated to guiding you towards the right coverage at the best price.
Don’t miss out on open enrollment this year! Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a licensed Broker.
