Health Insurance 2020 - There Still May Be Time To Enroll

Open enrollment for marketplace health insurance plans for 2020 started on the first of November of 2019, but in most states, it only continued to run until December 15th. Depending on when you read this, there still may be time to enroll!

And remember, even if you miss the deadline, there are also other options for health coverage in the year ahead - or you may qualify for a special enrollment period.

How Do I Enroll On The Health Insurance Marketplace?
Just go to healthcare.gov, take the time to fill out the necessary information, estimate your household income for 2020, and choose an available plan - it's as simple as that. And it usually only takes an hour or less, even if it's the first time you've ever done it.

In some cases, you may need to scan and submit certain documents, like income sheets or immigration papers or ID cards. If you already have health insurance, you may be auto-re-enrolled for 2020, in which case, visiting the marketplace would either be to switch plans or to simply update some information.

Finally, while some help can be had from a marketplace navigator, an independent health insurance agent or broker can offer you far more good advice on how to choose the right plan.

Do I Qualify For A Special Enrollment Period?
Even if it is past December 15th when you read this, all hope is not necessarily gone. First of all, you may have been auto-enrolled into last year's policy and not even know it - so check with your current insurer or agent.

Second, some states give everyone additional time to enroll. Third, you may qualify for a special enrollment period if:

• You recently switched jobs and it affected your health insurance.
• You moved to a new home recently.
• You have just given birth to a child or adopted a child.
• You lost your insurance through no fault of your own or a child now qualifies for ACA subsidies who formerly did not.

What Other Insurance Options May Be Available?
Even in the worst-case scenario, where you have missed the enrollment deadline and do not qualify for special enrollment, there are other types of health coverage that can assist you in the year ahead.

For example, accident insurance, catastrophic illness coverage, indemnity policies that cover both accidents and illnesses, travel policies, Medicare, Medicaid, a Health Savings Account (HSA), life insurance that lets you borrow against its accumulated cash value, workman's compensation insurance, and other possibilities may be able to help with this year's healthcare costs.

Also, if you can land a new job that includes employer-based health insurance, it can begin soon after being hired regardless of what time of year that may be.

To learn more about your total health insurance options going into 2020 or for assistance from an experienced agent in finding and applying for a new health plan, contact Summerlin Benefits Consulting today!