The Health Insurance Marketplace has recently approved a brand new, quick and simplified application process that will benefit all Marketplace customers, old and new. As we are in the Special Enrollment Period, existing Marketplace members often find themselves needing to make updates or changes within their application. On the other hand, new members who qualify for a Special Enrollment Period need to apply on the Marketplace within 60 days of their Qualifying Life Event. This new and improved application process was designed to help simplify the process and make your marketplace application easier to navigate. If you are in the market for an affordable Health Insurance plan, or are currently enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace, look no further to make your editing or enrollment process much easier during the Special Enrollment Period.  The process can be started by generating a quote and clicking “Enroll.”

Do you need to get enrolled in an affordable health plan?

If you qualify for Special Enrollment Period and have experienced a qualifying life event within 60 days, you may be eligible to enroll in an Affordable Care Act health plan. In order to apply for savings on the cost of these health insurance plans, one must apply for a federal tax credit or subsidy through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Subsidies can greatly reduce the cost of your monthly premiums, allowing you to save money on the cost of health insurance.  In the past, the application has been lengthy and repetitive.  However, the new and improved application process can simplify this experience, making it easier to navigate your application. This more user-friendly application helps guide you through the questions and makes them easy to understand. Generate a quote to discover if you are eligible for savings during the Special Enrollment Period and get started on your application!

Already enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace?

If you are already enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace and receive savings on your Health Insurance premium, there are several topics to consider during the Special Enrollment Period. These topics may trigger you to make changes to your application throughout the year. If you experience income changes, you must submit these changes to the marketplace. It is very important to keep your income up to date to ensure you are receiving the correct amount of federal tax credit, or savings on your premium. Other updates may include adding or removing household members from your application or reporting a move from your primary place of living. Utilizing this updated application platform will allow you to make these changes quickly and easily when needed. If you are enrolled through the Marketplace and need to make updates or changes, CLICK HERE to access your application or give us a call. We are happy to discuss these changes with you and ensure that you are taking the correct steps to update your application during the Special Enrollment Period.

For more information on North Carolina Health Insurance coverage, 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.

Now that Open Enrollment Period has ended, it is important to know what Health Insurance options are available to you during the Special Enrollment Period. During Special Enrollment Period, you must have experienced a Qualifying Life Event in the past 60 days in order to enroll in an ACA-Compliant plan, also referred to as “Obamacare”. If you have missed Open Enrollment for 2019 health coverage, and do not have a qualifying life event, Short Term health insurance may be a great option for you!

What is Short Term Health Insurance?

Short Term, or Temporary Health Insurance, is a type of health plan that is considered Non ACA or Non Affordable Care Act Compliant. Because the plans are not compliant with the federal guidelines that are in place under the Affordable Care Act, there is not an Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment Period for these plans. This means that you can apply for the plans any time of year. You can also apply for coverage to start as early as the next day.

If comparing Short Term plans vs. ACA compliant plans, it’s important to understand that Short Term plans exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, which is a requirement under Obamacare.

How Long Can You be Enrolled in a Short Term Plan?

Although these plans are labeled as “Short Term”, you can now enroll in a plan for up to 360 days a year under one application. This allows beneficiaries to bridge the gap until the following year’s Open Enrollment Period.  Another benefit of Short term plans is the simple application process. It takes only minutes to complete the online application! CLICK HERE to see Short Term plans and/or get started on your application.

Is it Affordable?

Short Term health coverage was originally designed to bridge gaps in coverage. However, their attraction has grown as some individuals and families began to enroll in these plans as a more affordable alternative. People are often shocked at the cost of ACA compliant health plans in today’s market, especially those who don’t qualify for government provided premium tax credits or subsidies. When filling out a Short Term Health Insurance application, one must answer a few health questions in order to be eligible to enroll. These factors allow Short Term premiums to be significantly less expensive than ACA plans and are therefore, often utilized by individuals and families to save on monthly premiums! Generate a Short Term Quote to view the rates and plan options.

If you have missed the Open Enrollment Period, don’t have coverage, need to bridge a gap in coverage, or are simply trying to save money on your health insurance, don’t go at this alone! Give us a call to speak with one of our professional agents and see if a Short Term Health insurance plan could benefit you and your family. We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information on North Carolina Health Insurance coverage, 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.

At NC Health Plans, we want wish you a very Happy New Year. We hope that 2019 brings you health and happiness! As the New Year begins, we would like to proudly announce that we have been designated to the Health Insurance Marketplace Elite Plus Circle of Champions for enrolling 500+ North Carolinians in coverage beginning January 2019. This is the highest achievement attainable for helping customers enroll in affordable health insurance through the Marketplace and we look forward to assisting more North Carolinians as we move into the Special Enrollment Period for 2019.

The health insurance Marketplace, or healthcare.gov is where individuals and families can apply for government subsidies to assist with the cost of health insurance. Subsidies can greatly reduce the cost of health insurance for those who qualify based on their yearly income. Now that we are outside of Open Enrollment for 2019, Special Enrollment Period has begun. You can still apply for Qualified Health Insurance if you have a qualifying life event. The most common Qualifying Life Events include losing coverage, getting married, having a child, or moving. Generate a quote to discover if you may be eligible for a subsidy during Special Enrollment Period.

Navigating the Health Insurance market can be confusing, and we are happy to assist you with every step of the way. We take pride in helping fellow North Carolinians apply for affordable health care through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Thank you for a great year, and we hope to continue serving many of you in 2019.

For more information on North Carolina Health Insurance coverage, 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.