Open enrollment for health insurance Open Enrollment is the annual period during which individuals and families can select or change their health insurance plans, particularly those obtained through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, also known as Obamacare. It's a crucial time to review your options and ensure you have the best coverage for your needs in the upcoming year. Key dates and periods ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment: Generally runs from November 1st to January 15th each year in most states. Coverage Start Dates: Enroll by December 15th for coverage starting January 1st. Enroll by January 15th for coverage starting February 1st. State-Based Exchanges: Some states have different Open Enrollment dates, so it's essential to check your specific state's deadlines. Job-Based Plans: Open Enrollment periods for employer-sponsored health insurance are set by the employer, typically in the fall to align with the new calendar year. Medicare: Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15th to December 7th annually for joining, dropping, or switching Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Around the time individuals turn 65 for enrolling in Medicare parts A and B. Medicaid/CHIP: Individuals can enroll in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time of year if they qualify. Why is open enrollment important? Open Enrollment is your opportunity to: Review and compare plans: Even if you're satisfied with your current plan, it's wise to assess your options annually as plans and your needs can change. Adjust your coverage: Make changes to your health plan to better suit your healthcare needs for the upcoming year. Ensure optimal benefits: Explore different plans to ensure you're getting the best coverage and benefits for your situation, considering your doctors, medications, and potential costs like premiums and deductibles. What if you miss open enrollment? If you miss the Open Enrollment period for ACA Marketplace plans or employer-sponsored coverage, you may have limited opportunities to get or change health insurance: Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Certain life events, such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, can qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period outside of Open Enrollment. Medicaid or CHIP: You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time if you meet the eligibility requirements. Short-term medical plans: These plans offer temporary coverage but typically do not provide the same level of benefits as comprehensive health insurance and may not cover pre-existing conditions. Reach out early, we are happy to discuss your plan and options any time of year.
In today's world not many people can name their health insurance agent, let alone tell you anything about them. As your personal agents, we are here to change that! So, here's our story. We grew up in NJ and NY. We were both raised by families that valued family but instilled the importance of dedication to work and family life balance. In college we both earned degrees in Business, Mike in Human Resources and Management, and Carol in Business Administration, and yes also a degree in Food and Nutrition. We met years later and together went on to own several businesses. We purchased a Diet Center franchise (Mike was already a Dunkin Donuts owner, and yes, we have heard and told many a joke about the conflicting businesses, but we certainly had the best complimenting businesses- lol). Together we ran two separate and successful businesses and had the joy of raising two “separate and successful” children. You will always hear us talking about Mary and Donald . Fast forward many years and a major shift in life, we moved to NC which we now call our forever home. It was here that we were introduced to the best career and business endeavor: we both became licensed Health and Life Insurance Agents. We saw how this business helps people every day, and protects them from potentially life-altering medical and financial situations. We have always enjoyed our interaction with customers, clients, and just people in general, so it was a natural transition. With our personal understanding of the needs of small business owners, and families with special needs, helping others understand their health coverage and insurance options just makes sense. We now have the privilege of helping people every day find affordable coverage that is unmatched in its ability to protect not only them, but their family and employees. Please don't call some 1-800 number for your health insurance. Call us, or better yet, send a text (it is the easiest way to chat). We'd be honored to be your trusted agents.
Do you know who your health coverage is with? I am surprised by the number of people who truly do not know who their health insurance provider is. Or do they??? Is it that they found "cheap" coverage from a short-term provider, and choose to not admit it because they are aware of the pitfalls? Is it because they really don't know because it was a "fly by night" company? Was it a non-reputable agent just trying to get "another close" on the books so they low ball a plan? Every client I help gets a full understanding of their health insurance. I customize each plan to meet your specific needs. I explain the value of the coverage I put together with you, and when you ask me "what plan would you choose?" you will get my honest answer. I will educate you about who your insurance carrier is, what your deductible is, what your max out of pocket is, and who is in your network. Friends don't let friends choose health insurance alone. Let's talk Health Coverage.
How our passion came to be.