What to Expect in 2023

• Open Enrollment has been extended to January 15th!  Please note, changes made AFTER December 15^th will take effect February 1^st.

• CARRIER CHANGES:
  • Aetna is offering plans this year
  • Bright Health will NOT offer plans in 2023
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield continues to be the only carrier offering a PPO network
  • Cigna will no longer offer the Northwestern network for those located in Cook County
  • We continue to struggle with network issues with Ambetter and United Healthcare.  Their provider finders are not accurate.  If you are considering one of these plans it is best to contact your doctor’s office to confirm they are accepting the plan.

•  ALL carriers will now offer virtual visits.  While Blue Cross Blue Shield only offers this service with their PPO network, Aetna, Ambetter, Cigna, Oscar, and United Healthcare will offer the same service on all of their plans. Policy holders can call or chat online with a nurse practitioner to obtain a diagnosis and prescription for medication.

• Out of pocket maximum will increase to $9,100 per person.  You can offset this by purchasing an accident or critical illness rider.  The rider starts at $25 per month and provides coverage to you in the event of an accident or diagnosis of a critical illness (heart attack, cancer, or stroke). 

• Group plans are still an option for small employers. Blue Cross Blue Shield continues to 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.  The employees can be 1099’d.

• Carriers are offering Visa gift cards for participating in their rewards program.  Some are offering up to $500!  Rewards are given for signing up for an account online, obtaining an annual physical, signing up for text message reminders, selecting a primary care physician, etc.

• Cigna is offering plans tailored to those with asthma, COPD, and diabetes.  This means lower drug costs, $0 cost for labs, pulmonary rehab, and supplies (including certain brands of insulin pumps)

• NO penalty continues! This means you will not receive a penalty for not having coverage or for obtaining a plan that does meet the minimum standards of the Affordable Care Act.