Posted November 17, 2017
Budget cuts in federal outreach and advertising along with a six-week reduction in the open enrollment period for health insurance have many people confused about shopping for health insurance plans. These 5 Fast Facts about will help you get the ball rolling for the 2018 open enrollment period.
Fast Facts
1. The enrollment period started November 1 and ends on December 15. (In prior years, the enrollment period lasted until January 3)
2. Consumers can find free enrollment help at https://localhelp.healthcare.gov.
3. Consumers who know they are eligible for financial assistance can shop on the exchange at https://www.healthcare.gov. (Remember: the site will not be available during open enrollment from midnight until 12 p.m. on every Sunday except December 10.)
4. Consumers’ Checkbook, a plan comparison tool that was released by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance last year, now displays plans for 2018. It allows shoppers to compare on- and off-exchange plans using a variety of factors, including monthly premium and estimated yearly cost. The plan comparison tool is also valuable for those who do not qualify for financial assistance and could be affected by the rate increases necessitated by the Trump Administration’s decision to end payments for cost-sharing reductions.
5. For more information on 2018 rates and additional resources for shopping for health insurance, visit www.insurance.pa.gov.
Information provided by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.