Open enrollment for Health Insurance Starts November 15th

It's almost that time of year again! The open enrollment period for purchasing or changing your healthcare plan is quickly approaching.  

From November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015 individuals and families can purchase a healthcare policy or make changes to their existing policy.  After this point, only certain life events will allow a person to make changes to their current care.

You might be eligible for free or low cost insurance.

Here are some requirements:

• Must be a US citizen or National
• Currently not incarcerated
• Not currently eligible for Medicare
• Must have some source of income for 2015

So, you think you’re eligible for healthcare. Now what?

Individuals who are not eligible for minimum essential coverage through such programs as Medicaid, or CHIP are eligible to shop for healthcare. Dependent upon the size of your household and your income, individuals and families may be eligible for free or low cost healthcare policies. Those who do not qualify for subsidies are also eligible during this time. 

You can apply directly through the marketplace – either online or over the phone.  In addition, you may chose to have an insurance agent to help navigate the process for you at no cost.  At Platinum Exchange, we can help you navigate through the new insurance platform with ease.

Three things to consider if you’re uninsured...  

1. If you do not obtain minimum essential coverage, you could be required to pay a penalty for remaining uninsured.  This penalty has increased for 2015.
2. Unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you will be unable to purchase insurance for 2015 after February 15th.
3. You will likely be responsible for ALL of your healthcare costs.

Remember, accidents and illnesses happen! Protect yourself and your loved ones today - so you don't have to pay tomorrow.