What is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment is a period of time that people can enroll in individual or family health plans for the upcoming year. An annual occurrence, usually from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, is specified by the government. It is imperative that you enroll in health insurance during open enrollment because it is not permitted outside of this period. Unless there is a qualifying life event, such as, loss of coverage, change in household and change in resident, you must wait until open enrollment begins.
Enrollments will be scheduled for 30 minutes. This is a major challenge because we are covering a lot of information in a shortened amount of time. In a theoretical and efficient way, we can get everyone enrolled for the next year.
COVID-19 concerns
Due to the pandemic, we are particularly sensitive about everyone’s health. While we prefer face-to-face enrollment and catching up with our clients, we can also enroll you in a plan over the phone. When you call to schedule an appointment, you will have the option to choose from either. If you prefer in person, we have masks available and will be socially distanced.
In order for us to make an appropriate and logical decision over the phone, we do ask that you have access to a computer and internet.
Our website, www.insure-u.com, is a valuable shopping tool to take advantage of.
Beginning at the first of the month, you will be able to determine 2021 coverages and rates on the website. This development allows you to compare plans side-by-side to determine whether your doctor is in the network, if your medications are covered and how much it will cost.
There are times when it takes more than a half hour, usually for Medicare.
It is possible to get an enrollment done in 10 minutes. This is greatly impacted on whether you have gone to our website shopping tool to see 2021 rates and options. Don’t wait to book your appointment, and come prepared to make a decision about your plan.
Certain plans are more attractive
The following are coverages in 2021:
- BlueChoice
- BlueEssentials: Individual and family plans
- BlueExclusive Reedy: Prisma Greenville Health and BlueCross joint venture
- BlueExclusive Cooper: Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Charleston and BlueCross joint venture
- Molina: New 2021 coverage covered below
- Bright Health
Molina is a new carrier that is the lowest cost in the market. However, at first they did not have a hospital or a doctor’s network in Greenville County. With the help of my team and for people like you, we were able to change this. My team and I created a campaign that addressed the unfair situation that we would be soon encountering in 2021. After many calls and letters were made and sent to the DOI, we helped hundreds of people in the county. An executive with Molina Healthcare called and informed me that they signed a contract with Bon Secours Saint Francis. Customers who go with this new option will NOT have to drive 35 miles to use a network hospital!!
Thank you to any and all of you who may have let the Governor and the Director of Insurance know that having at least one hospital in Greenville County for all plans sold in Greenville is an absolute must!
Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC), also known as “Subsidy” or “Government Bucks,” are based on the lowest cost in the silver market, which will be Molina in 2021. As a result, those insured under BlueCross BlueShield and Bright Health will pay more than what they were paying, simply because of the low-price carrier. We face a bit of a challenge in the upcoming year.
Since the average open enrollment appointment is only half an hour, you are our main focus, and we are committed to helping you find the health insurance that you deserve.
In order for us to get the most out of your time, you should know the following:
- Income projection for the following year
- Primary information (SS# for you and immediate family, address, DOB’s)
- Payment information (in the event it is needed)
- Medications: We can determine whether your medications are covered and what the out-of-pocket costs will be. (See below image for prescription drug tiers)
- Preferred doctors and hospital in non-emergency situations
- For family plans, we ask for each decision maker to be present
We understand that income projection for the upcoming year is difficult, especially for realtors and small business owners. A projection is needed because subsidies are based off of this. If you are under 400% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), the government will step in and help with costs.
Even if we will not be seeing each other this year, we are thrilled to speak with you over the phone to enroll you in the health plan that works best for you and/or your family.
My team and I are committed to helping you find the absolute best health coverage.
We know this is a difficult time for you, and having health insurance is more important than ever. Do not hesitate to give us a call, and we will answer any of your questions and concerns.
If you haven’t already, make sure to call us at (864) 467-8738 to schedule an open enrollment appointment. It’s essential to visit our website to have an idea of your preferred coverage option.
Since last open enrollment, we moved to a new location: 300 John St. #4A, Greer, S.C., 29651