2019 Open Enrollment. Important Details You Need to Know.

Posted: November 26, 2018

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During this time, individual policy holders can enroll in a health plan or make changes to their existing plan. *If you obtain health insurance from your employer, you are likely to have a different Open Enrollment period.*

What to Expect in 2019

• The penalty has been removed! This means you will no longer receive a penalty for not having coverage or for obtaining a plan that does not provide the 8 coverages required by the  Affordable Care Act.
• Short term medical plans will now offer coverage for the full year. These plans do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, maternity, or wellness visits. However, these plans are a fraction of the cost of plans offered through the Marketplace and they all have a PPO network.
• BCBS will continue to offer virtual visits for PPO plans only.  Policy holders can call or chat online with a nurse practitioner to obtain a diagnosis and prescription for medication.
• Group plans are still an option for small employers. Blue Cross Blue Shield does offer relaxed guidelines during this time to allow for a 1-person group. The employer must have at least 2 full time employees that are not husband and wife.

How to Avoid Rate Increases

• Be prepared to discuss your household, estimated adjusted gross income for 2019.  This will be used to determine if you qualify for assistance.
• Those without pre-existing conditions should consider a short term medical plan.  The premium is much lower and all plans offer a PPO network.  Wellness visits are not included with these plans.
• If you are going to opt to self-insure, protect yourself with an accident or critical illness plan.  The plan works separate from health insurance and pays you based on a diagnosis of a critical illness (cancer, heart attack, or stroke) and in the event of an accident (slip, fall, and break an ankle) the plan will pay you a certain dollar amount.  The purpose is to use the funds to pay towards the unexpected hospital or urgent care visit.
• Review ALL of your insurance policies. I specialize in personal lines insurance, which includes auto, home, and Medicare. As a broker, I have access to multiple carriers which allows me the opportunity to find the best plan based on your needs.  I’ve saved people thousands by reviewing rates with multiple carriers.

NOTE:  This is an extremely busy time for me.  I suggest scheduling early as my schedule will fill up.  Call 708 444-0050 or email, kelly@kellyburkeinsurance.comfor an appointment.  Please include your availability (i.e. mornings, afternoons, or evenings) and the type of appointment you are requesting (face to face or conference call).