by Lauren Mandel
On November 1, the fourth year of Obamacare Open Enrollment officially begins. Many of you may already have an Obamacare plan from last year, while others have never had to shop for individual coverage. No matter your situation, the most important thing is that you find a health plan and stay covered.
Wouldn’t it be helpful to have a list of tips to reference while you shop? Lucky for you, we’ve created that list. Below you’ll find 5 helpful tips to consider while shopping for your Obamacare plan starting on November 1.
Come back to comparison shop, even if you think you’ll stick with the same plan.
Don’t assume your current plan is the best one available to you for 2017. There have been some changes since last year’s Open Enrollment Period, which means there may have been changes to your current plan. The only way to make sure you don’t miss out on lower costs, better benefits, and new plan options is to check in to see what’s changed since you last enrolled.
Update your personal information to make sure you don’t overpay.
Did you know that last year, 85 percent of Americans received tax credits to lower the cost of their coverage? Unfortunately, only about half of all Americans know that this financial assistance exists. And new information released by the Department of Health and Human Services reveals 2.5 million covered Americans could be missing out on tax credits altogether.
Why would you pay more than you have to? While it might seem unnecessary, updating your personal information each year ensures you get the financial assistance you deserve.
If you’re eligible for tax credits for 2017 coverage, your plan could cost less than $75 per month. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re eligible for a tax credit, GoHealth can help you find out.
Keep a list of your preferred doctors and necessary prescriptions.
You may find a health plan that seems perfect for your budget, but it may not cover your favorite doctor who you see regularly. Different health plans also cover different prescription medications. So, while all health plans must cover the same essential health benefits, the details of each plan can vary. Make sure you’re referencing a list of your preferred doctors and necessary prescriptions while shopping for health coverage this year.
Consider all of your options before making your final decision.
While Open Enrollment begins on November 1, you actually have until December 15 to get coverage that starts on January 1, 2017. This means you have time to browse plan options, get expert advice from one of our licensed agents, and take your time before enrolling in your plan of choice. Purchasing health insurance is a big decision, and you should consider all of your options carefully.
It’s also important to remember that there are additional options to help you complete your coverage. GoHealth Access is a health care tool that can help you better use your coverage and save you even more money on things like prescriptions, dental work, and more.
When in doubt, take advantage of the help that’s available to you.
Finding the right health insurance plan can be confusing, even for someone who’s done it before. But what sets GoHealth apart from other enrollment options is our expert licensed agents. These professionals are standing by to help you find the right plan. They can estimate your tax credit, make plan recommendations based on your health care needs and budget, and get you enrolled quickly and easily.