Open Enrollment: Time To Start Planning
It’s that time of year again; open enrollment is here! That means it’s your chance to shop for the right health insurance plan, especially if you aren’t currently covered or you aren’t happy with your existing coverage for any reason.
What should you know about open enrollment in order to make the most of it? Check out the information below to learn the ins and outs.
Act Fast!
Open enrollment will begin on November 1, 2017, and it will only run until December 15, 2017 (unless you live in a state that has extended the deadline for you). So this year, you don’t have as much time to decide upon the right insurance for yourself and your family. But it’s okay; you got this!
Here’s the deal: this is the only time of year during which you can shop for and get health insurance unless you’re able to receive coverage outside of open enrollment because you fall into a category that exempts you from having to wait. For example, a “qualifying life event,” like having a baby, might allow you to enroll in a plan outside of the open enrollment period. So for most people, this is your perfect opportunity to start shopping for the ideal plan.
When will your coverage actually kick in, though? As long as you sign up in time, your insurance will be in place on January 1, 2018. Missing that all-important signup deadline may mean that you will have to wait until next year to get coverage during the next open enrollment. And going without coverage means you might even be hit with a penalty at tax time. Yikes!
Where to Shop?
When it comes to browsing health insurance plans, you could visit Healthcare.gov and check out what is available to you. And you could also use the site to determine if you qualify for financial assistance from the government in order to pay your premium with greater ease every month. Not bad, huh?
Another option would be to check out a health insurance provider’s website. You may be able to browse dental individual insurance plans that are available to the public and then simply sign up directly.
Other ways to analyze the plans that are available include: working with a health insurance agent who may help guide you in the right direction towards the best coverage at the lowest price or using a service that will help you compare multiple providers and plans in one place.
Already Have Coverage? It’s Still a Good Idea to Shop Around
Even if you already have health insurance and you like the coverage, it might be a good idea to shop around now that open enrollment is here. Why? Because new plans might be added to your list of options, and you might find one that suits your needs even better. Pricing could also change from one year to the next, so if your existing plan is no longer affordable, the time is now to shop for one that will be easier on your wallet.
Also, if you are currently enrolled in a plan through Healthcare.gov and you receive tax credits, updating your income and other household information for 2018 could help you receive the right amount of savings.
Bottom line: if you don’t take action now, you may be automatically enrolled in the same plan or a plan that’s similar, for the coming year, even if it no longer suits your health and financial needs. So the best way to stay in control is by taking a bit of time to browse your options and decide upon the coverage that’s just right for you.
An Easier Way to Get Dental Insurance
In the event that you are unable to find the appropriate dental insurance during the open enrollment, don’t worry! With Spirit Dental, you can apply for coverage at any time throughout the year. And no matter what plan you choose, you can rest assured that your coverage will kick in when your plan becomes active. That’s right: no waiting periods to worry about! So whether you need a routine dental cleaning or a major service, Spirit has your back.
It’s so important to have the right health insurance, including dental and vision insurance. Open enrollment is your chance to start planning for the coverage that will give you peace of mind for the coming year. So what are you waiting for? Check out your options before it’s too late!