2018 HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE – GET STARTED TODAY!
By Kim Long - Oct. 2017
If you are like most Grand County folks, fall is all about football, hiking, Halloween costumes and getting ready for the snow! Between touchdowns and pumpkin picking, now is the time to also think about your health insurance coverage. Take the time now to understand what assistance programs exist or which insurance options work for you and your family’s health insurance coverage.
We will see rate increases. But other than that, there will be no major changes and no new insurance carriers in our region for 2018. While no one knows for sure what will happen to monthly or annual tax credits after 2018, credits are secure for 2017. One thing is for sure, the penalty for being uninsured has not gone away. What does this all mean for you??
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Know your Options
Depending on your household income, you may be eligible for Medicaid coverage for you or your children. You can learn more at www.healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-221-3943 to get questions answered or complete an application over the phone. For free in-person help with Medicaid applications that’s close to home, call Kim Long, certified Health Coverage Guide at 970-531-4769.
Even if you are insured in 2017 through the Colorado Health Insurance Marketplace (Connect for Health Colorado), you still need to renew or select a new health insurance plan for 2018.
Open Enrollment
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This year’s Open Enrollment Period is November 1, 2017, through January 12, 2018. Be aware that open enrollment is much shorter this year than previous years.
You must enroll before December 15 for your plan to start on January 1. Enrolling after December 15 will cause a gap in your coverage. Start looking for a notice now – either by mail or by email, as well as in your online account. This notice will let you know your options for renewal.
Things you can do today!
Here are a few things you can do right now to make your open enrollment easier.
1. Call Connect for Health Colorado at 855-752-6749 to create or update your account. You can also do this online at www.connectforhealthco.com.
2. If prompted, update your password.
3. Make sure your current contact information and mailing address is up-to-date.
Beginning November 1, you will be able to browse all 2018 health plans available on the Colorado Health Insurance Marketplace at www.connectforhealthco.com. Be sure to review plan benefits and double-check that your preferred healthcare providers and prescriptions are still covered by your 2018 plan selection.
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Need help?
For FREE in-person help with your enrollment, avoid the rush and schedule an appointment with Kim Long, Certified Health Coverage Guide today. Kim can help you understand your health insurance options and what that means for your individual situation. He can meet you at any of the Grand County Library District libraries, and can help you apply for financial assistance and enroll in a plan.
To make a free Health Coverage Guide appointment, call Kim at 970-531-4769.
