While there have been some major changes to the Affordable Care Act, and much talk about repealing it all together, it remains the law of the land. If you need insurance in 2020 and don’t have options through your employer, you can still enroll in health plan for 2020 through Obamacare Open Enrollment.
When Is Open Enrollment? November 1, 2019 to December 15, 2019.
What should you be doing now? With open enrollment looming around the corner, it’s time to review your current plan to see if it’s meeting your needs. Review your co-pays, deductibles and premiums, against your actual healthcare expenses over the past year and your estimated healthcare expenses for 2020. Consider any new or ongoing health concerns, or any other health services you may need, such as dental work or orthodontia for you or your family. Having this information ahead of time will help you be ready to select the plan that will save you the most on your healthcare.
Before you fill out your new health insurance application, gather the following information.
- Social Security Numbers for everyone covered
- Household Income (Tax Information, if applicable for you and dependents)
Is there a penalty for not having health insurance? No, there is not. The repeal of the individual mandate was effective in 2019, and eliminated the tax penalty. However, a few states still have their own mandate. Check with your specific state.
What happens if you miss open enrollment? To be covered by a traditional plan, you’ll need to enroll during open enrollment or get insurance through an employer. However, you may qualify for special enrollment.
You still have options. Due to other changes in the healthcare laws, you can buy a short-term health policy for up to three years, or purchase other types of non-traditional health coverage at any time of the year.
