Open enrollment for the Marketplace and individual health plans is open for 2019. Last day to make plan selections of changes is December 15, 2018. Coverage will begin January 1, 2019.
If you’re buying health insurance on your own, you can purchase a policy through your state’s health insurance marketplace or from a health insurance company.
Here’s what you need to know for the open enrollment period for 2019 individual and family health insurance plans.
Open enrollment deadlines have changed: Open enrollment starts November 1st and runs through December 15th in most states. Heath insurance coverage will begin on January 1, 2019.
The states listed below have different open enrollment dates:
- California – Oct. 15, 2018 to Jan. 15, 2019
- Colorado – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 15, 2019
- D.C. – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 31, 2019
- Massachusetts – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 23, 2019
- Minnesota – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 13, 2019
- New York – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 31, 2019
- Rhode Island – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 31, 2019
If you enroll after the Dec. 15 date in the states that are extending the enrollment period, you’ll need to check to see when the coverage will start. Because most states still require you to obtain your plan by Dec. 15 for it to start on Jan. 1, 2018. If you buy after Dec. 15 your plan’s start date may be Feb. 1 or March 1, 2019.
This is the time to make changes to your existing plan. You can renew your current health insurance plan or you can choose a new health insurance plan. If you are currently enrolled in a marketplace health insurance plan, it will automatically renew. However, the plan may make changes to its provider network, copays, co-insurance and drug coverage. Your plan must send you a notice of any changes it will make for 2019.
If you miss open enrollment, you may have to wait until next year’s open enrollment. If you miss open enrollment, you won’t be able to sign up for coverage unless you qualify for special enrollment period.
Special enrollment period qualifications are: divorce, marriage, birth or adoption of a child, death of a spouse or partner that leaves you without health insurance, your spouse or partner who has you covered loses his/her job and health insurance, you lose your job and with it your health insurance, your hours are cut making you ineligible for your employer’s health insurance plan, or you are in an HMO and move outside its coverage area.
You have the choose between four levels. Plans in the health insurance marketplace are divided primarily into four categories:
- Bronze – highest out-of-pocket expenses for services (lower premiums)
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum – least out-of-pocket expenses for services (higher premiums)
It’s important to not delay in choosing a plan!
Insurance coverage can be overwhelming – confusing options and endless paperwork.
Cosmo Insurance Agency makes it easy. Our team has mastered every detail of the insurance process and will walk you through the process to the end, so you can be 100% confident when signing on the dotted line.
Whether its healthcare, life insurance, long term care, vision, dental, or disability, Cosmo Insurance Agency will be there every step of the way. Our staff maintains close contact and is always only a quick phone call away for questions or concerns relating to billing, provider issues, claims or reimbursements and your insurance renewal. Give us a call today!
Cosmo Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency serving surrounding communities in New Jersey. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating the latest in technology-based tools and laws on healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance and finance, we keep our clients up-to-date with the plans that encompass all of their needs, whether it is individual or group insurance.
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