888-765-5400Open Enrollment Ending Soon – February 15th Application Deadline
The Open Enrollment period for 2015 and your once-a-year opportunity to enroll a new Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan or make changes to your current plan is coming to a close February 15th. Open Enrollment began November 15th, but if you are one of the many Americans still trying to obtain health insurance for 2015 or if you still need to make changes to your health insurance policy, there is still time.
Here are four different scenarios that may apply to you:
Members with Grandfathered Plans:
A Grandfathered Plan is a health plan that was in place on March 23, 2010 and has had no changes made to it. These plans are exempt from many of the Affordable Care Act requirements; however, you do have the option to change to an ACA plan. Keep in mind, though, that once you give up your Grandfathered plan you will not be able to get it back. Carefully consider the costs and benefits of your current plan and compare it against the available ACA plans before making a decision to change.
Members with Transitional Plans:
A transitional plan is a health plan that was purchased between March 24, 2010 and October 1, 2013. These plans were originally supposed to be canceled on January 1, 2014 because of the new ACA requirements, but the administration decided at the last minute that members could keep these plans for two additional years. Like with Grandfathered Plans, you may decide to switch to an ACA plan but remember, a new plan may cost more than your current plan, even with a subsidy applied. Be sure to weigh your options carefully.
Members with ACA or Subsidized Plans:
ACA plans include many of those purchased on the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2014. If you have one of these plans, there are some important questions you need to ask. You want to consider how much you want to pay out of pocket for premiums and deductibles and also you need to consider the size of your network. If you received a subsidy in 2014, you need to visit the Marketplace and update your subsidy qualifications. If you don’t, you might not receive as much subsidy as you deserve and could wind up paying more than necessary for your health plan.
Members with ACA or Non-Subsidized Plans:
If you did not receive a subsidy in 2014 and you would like to make changes to your plan, you can still see if you qualify for a subsidy. Again, consider the plans carefully, including the size of your network, out of pocket costs and monthly premiums.
FEBRUARY 15, 2015 is the last day you can apply for a 2015 plan or make changes to your current plan before the end of the Annual Enrollment Period. After February 15, you will be subject to the rules of Special Enrollment involving Qualifying Life Events.
For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents. Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.