A reminder from The Family Health Centers: Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment begins on November 15, 2014.
If you need a Primary Care Physician as part of your 2015 plan, please give us a call at (828) 258-8681.
Links to options for coverage:
Local Blue Cross Blue Shield Authorized Agent: http://www.wnchealthinsurance.com/
Affordable Care Act Plans & Prices: https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/
Some helpful details:
Unlike last year, when Open Enrollment lasted for six months, the 2015 annual enrollment period ends on February 15, 2015. That means you have three months to enroll or make changes to your health insurance coverage.
After the Open Enrollment Period ends, you will not be able to purchase health insurance from the Marketplace, or from anywhere else, until the next ACA Enrollment Period in 2015. The only exception applies to those who qualify for a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a birth, significant income change, marriage, residential move, and a loss of employer coverage or other limited qualifying events.
When enrolling, keep in mind that your health insurance coverage and benefits will not begin until at least two weeks after your enrollment date. For example, if you complete Open Enrollment between November 15th and December 15th of 2014, your start date for coverage will be January 1, 2015.
Likewise, if you enroll in healthcare coverage between January 16th and February 15th of 2015, you will meet the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment deadline, but your coverage will not begin until March 1, 2015.
If you have existing health insurance coverage for 2014, your plan will mature at the end of the year, at which time you will need to determine if you wish to keep your existing plan and re-enroll or switch to a new provider and/or plan. If you simply allow the automatic re-enrollment process to take place, you may end up paying more than is required and with slightly different benefits. So it is best to take advantage of the ACA Enrollment Period to evaluate your health insurance plan and see if it will continue to meet your needs in 2015. –Courtesy WNC Health Insurance
Remember, adults without coverage in 2015 may incur a cash penalty. The Family Health Centers of Asheville, Arden and Hominy Valley encourage our friends and patients to seek coverage as soon as possible. We thank you for the opportunity to support your health and wellness journey.
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