2022 Open Enrollment: Record-low Premiums Available

The 2022 Open Enrollment period began on November 1 and will end on January 15, 2022. Now is the time to shop for individual health insurance plans from industry-leading carriers. This year, millions more Americans are qualifying for health insurance subsidies and tax credits — including higher-income families who would not have been eligible in previous years.

If you need assistance finding the perfect plan for you and your family, or wish to see if you qualify for an expanded subsidy, please schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a licensed benefits counselor.

NOTE: If you need coverage with an effective date of Jan 1, 2022, you must enroll by Dec 15, 2021.

2022 Open Enrollment Period: Important Dates

The annual Open Enrollment period for individual health insurance is underway. Now is the time to shop for individual health insurance plans from industry-leading carriers.

  • 11/1/2021: Open Enrollment begins
  • 12/15/2021: Last day to enroll for coverage effective 1/1/2022
  • 1/15/2022: Open Enrollment ends; last day to enroll for coverage effective 2/1/2022

This year, millions more Americans are qualifying for health insurance subsidies and tax credits — including higher-income families who would not have been eligible in previous years. If you need assistance finding the perfect plan for you and your family, or wish to see if you qualify for an expanded subsidy, please schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a licensed benefits counselor.

NOTE: If you need coverage with an effective date of Jan 1, 2022, you must enroll by Dec 15, 2021.

The 2021 COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period: Final Week

While health insurance enrollment is typically only available during the annual Open Enrollment period at the end of the year (unless you have a qualifying life event), the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) led to the creation of a Special Enrollment Period to assist Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Special Enrollment Period began on 2/15/21 and will close on 8/15/21.

As of June 30 more than 1.5 million people have enrolled in new health coverage since the Special Enrollment Period began, and another 2.5 million have been able to lower the premiums of their existing plans.

ARP subsidies have dramatically improved access and affordability for Americans. The qualification criteria have been expanded to include higher-income households, including those making more than 400% of the federal poverty line. ARP also provides increased subsidies for those who had already qualified, and households with income below 150% of the federal poverty level will benefit from eliminated premiums and decreased deductibles.

If you have not inquired about ARP savings since the income thresholds were loosened, schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a licensed benefits counselor. Remember: enrollment ends August 15.

The 2021 COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period: What You Need To Know

On Thursday, January 28, 2021, President Biden announced plans to reopen the federal health insurance markets for a nation-wide Special Enrollment Period. This action is being taken in response to the massive economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in some of the highest unemployment rates in decades.

When does it start, and how long does it last?

The 2021 Special Enrollment Period will begin on February 15 and run through May 15, 2021. Coverage effective dates for those who enroll during this time will begin on the first day of the month following an enrollment date. (For example, an enrollment date of March 4 will have an effective date of April 1.)

Will there be another Open Enrollment Period later this year?

Yes. The annual Open Enrollment Period will run from November 1 through December 15. Individuals who enroll during this time will have a January 1, 2022 coverage effective date.

I enrolled during the Open Enrollment period last year. Will I need to sign up for my plan again?

No. If you are currently enrolled in health insurance coverage, you do not need to enroll again. However, if you are interested in changing your coverage, this is your chance to secure ACA-compliant health insurance outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period. Just keep in mind that if you decide to change your plan, your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum will reset based on your new coverage details.

Is this only available to those impacted by COVID-19?

No. Even though this is being called a 2021 COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period, you do not need to have experienced COVID-19, or even a Qualifying Life Event to enroll in (or change) coverage.

Get Ready to Apply

To learn more or to begin shopping plans, visit our Health Insurance page or schedule an appointment to speak with a licensed benefits counselor.

5 Ways to Help You Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

The holidays are going to look a lot different this year due to COVID-19.

Every year millions of Americans pile into each other’s homes to celebrate the season with food, family, and football. That urge has never been stronger than this year. With millions of people working from home and many states enacting safer-at-home measures, Americans are feeling the financial, physical, and mental health effects of living in a coronavirus-infected world.

But in addition to practicing social distancing, there are several things you can do to remain healthy while minimizing the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 (or any illness).

1) Consult local, state, and federal guidelines and restrictions before traveling.

According to the CDC, “travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.” And as COVID-19 cases continue to spike throughout the country, many experts are urging Americans to avoid holiday travel.

Many states are imposing new limitations on gathering sizes, extending mask mandates, and even issuing mandatory quarantine periods (or negative COVID-19 test) for people traveling from other states. If you or your loved ones are considering traveling internationally during the holidays, please be sure to make sure the country you are traveling to is granting entry to travelers from your point of origin.

2) Embrace video chat.

Technology can help us feel connected to our loved ones when we can’t be there in person—something that has proven to be essential for so many people this year.

Video calls have skyrocketed in popularity this year professionally and personally. Zoom did its part to bring people together safely by lifting their 40-minute limit on free meetings for Thanksgiving Day this year.

Consider using video chat services or avoiding in-person contact altogether through the holidays if you or a family member are at a high risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.

3) Do your holiday shopping online.

You may want to consider skipping the check-out lines this year and put your health first by shopping for gifts online.

Traditional brick and mortar stores will still be dangerous areas despite heightened cleaning measures. The CDC has listed “Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving” as a higher-risk activity.

Due to the anticipated surge of online shoppers this season, many big-name retailers have announced changes to their traditional holiday sales such as online-only sales, online pick-up options, and more.

4) Wear a mask around others.

Studies continue to affirm the effectiveness of wearing a mask in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And both local and federal government branches have cited the importance of wearing a mask when around other people who do not live in your home. So if you find yourself going out in public or spending time with friends and family, consider wearing a mask to protect yourself and others.

5) Find the right health insurance coverage.

Modern medicine has yet to fully discover the long-term effects of COVID-19 but there are many health conditions scientists can already link to the virus.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “COVID-19 symptoms can sometimes persist for months. The virus can damage the lungs, heart and brain, which increases the risk of long-term health problems.”

Having health insurance coverage for you and your family can help cover the cost of both major and preventative medical care – and now is the best time to get coverage. The annual individual health Open Enrollment period began on November 1 and runs through December 15.

This is the only time of year to enroll in ACA-compliant health coverage unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event.

For more information on health insurance or to start shopping available plans, visit the individual health insurance page today.

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How We Help Members Through the Individual Health Insurance Open Enrollment Process

Shopping for something as important as health coverage can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re looking for a plan to help protect your whole family.

With the health insurance landscape changing every year, we know that it can be difficult to stay on top of which carriers and plans are available, so we do all that for you.

Tap Into Our Knowledgebase

By scheduling a 15-minute appointment with one of our licensed benefit counselors you’ll gain access to experts with vast industry insight—who are have studied state regulatory changes and are familiar with the latest available coverage options. Our counselors take the time to get to know your needs, concerns, and budget, to help find you the right plan, not just any plan.

Preparing for Your Appointment

After scheduling your appointment, you’ll want to gather the following information:

  • The basics: your address, phone number, date of birth, SSN, household size, income level
  • Plan and premium details for any employer-based plan available to you or your household
  • List of current medications
  • Name and zip code of the current healthcare providers that you’d like to continue using
  • Payment information

Having this information ready when your counselor calls will help them efficiently guide you toward the best coverage for your needs.

Taking the Next Step

This year’s Open Enrollment period is November 1 – December 15. If you enroll in an ACA-compliant health insurance plan during this period, the effective date will be January 1, 2021. This is the only time of year to receive ACA-compliant health insurance coverage, unless you were to experience a qualifying life event.

If you’re ready to see what the 2021 individual health insurance marketplace has to offer, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a licensed benefit counselor now. (Appointment availability becomes more limited beginning in the second half of November.)

For more information or to start shopping plans, visit the individual health insurance page today.

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