Consumers from Connecticut that carefully consider their financial needs along with health status will gain most when they shop for insurance in the 2015 enrollment period.
The period of enrollment to buy medical coverage at Access Health, Connecticut, an online market created by the Affordable Act is from November 15 to February 25. Most Americans are required by law to buy health insurance or pay a fine the moment they file their taxes.
They can opt for a new plan or to make changes in their current plan during this period. Health coverage during this time can also be purchased by people who have no health insurance. During the exchange, people can also sign up for the Children’s Health Insurance Program or Medicaid.
The officials from Access Health hope that 33,000 currently uninsured people will sign up for insurance in the time of the three month period of enrollment. Uninsured residents are estimated at about 147,166.
The uninsured rate of Connecticut is at 4 percent. This means that there was a 50 percent drop since the reform of health care was implemented. Out of the 256,666 people who signed up for health insurance during last year’s period of enrollment, 54 percent had no previous health insurance.
People who are uninsured, work for small employers or buy health coverage on their own can buy and compare plans at Access Health starting January 1.
Individuals can choose from health plans that are offered by Healthy CT, United Healthcare, Anthem and ConnectiCare. Based on how the insurer and individual will share the cost of the insurance, they are divided into four categories: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. The difference of these categories consists of out-of-pocket expenses compared to premiums.
Deputy Commissioner of the state Department of Insurance, Anne Melissa Dowling recommend people to look further than how much the monthly premium will cost in a plan as it is important to carefully review all the health plans.
“Sometimes plans with the lowest monthly premiums have significantly higher deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses.”
She said.
People can apply online, use the free mobile application provided by the Access Health, receive assistance from a person or call Access Health Call Center at the number 855-805-4325.
