• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Explore Health Plans
    • Individual & Family
    • Medicare Plans
    • Life Insurance
    • Dental & Vision
    • Small Group
    • Travel Health
  • Resource Blog
  • (855) 522-2201
  • Menu Menu

Tag Archive for: open enrollment

Are You Enrolling in the Right Health Plan?

General, Health Resources, Individual and Family, Short Term, Special Enrollment Period
How to know for sure that you are enrolled in the right health plan

There are a few key factors to consider when deciding whether to enroll in an ACA (Affordable Care Act) plan or a short-term health plan.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the differences between the two types of plans. ACA plans, also known as “Obamacare” plans, provide comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical services. This includes preventative care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. These plans must meet certain requirements set by the federal government, such as covering pre-existing conditions. They also offer a minimum level of coverage.

On the other hand, short-term medical plans provide temporary coverage for unexpected medical expenses. These plans typically have lower premiums and offer more flexibility than ACA plans. However, they provide much less comprehensive coverage. Short-term plans typically exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. They may not cover certain types of care, such as maternity or mental health services.

What are your health and medical needs?

One major factor to consider when deciding between an ACA plan and a short-term medical plan? Your current health and medical needs. For example, you have a chronic condition or expect to need a lot of medical care in the near future. An ACA plan is likely to be a better choice because of its comprehensive coverage. On the other hand, if you’re healthy and just want some protection against unexpected medical expenses, a short-term plan may be a good option.

Another important factor to consider is your budget. ACA plans can be more expensive than short-term plans, if you don’t qualify for subsidies to help lower your premiums. If you’re on a tight budget and need to save money on your health insurance, a short-term plan is a good option. However, keep in mind that you’ll likely end up paying more out of pocket for medical care if you have a short-term plan. These plans provide less comprehensive coverage.

Think long-term vs short-term when it comes to your health plan

It’s also important to think about the long-term implications of your decision. ACA plans seem more stable and predictable than short-term plans. They provide continuous coverage and can’t be canceled for reasons like getting sick or making a claim. If you’re looking for a long-term solution for your health insurance needs, an ACA plan may be a better choice.

Whether you choose an ACA plan or a short-term medical plan will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. ACA plans provide comprehensive coverage, but can be more expensive. Short-term plans are less expensive, but provide less comprehensive coverage. 

Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on your health, budget, and long-term needs. Healthedly offers a variety of plans, from

Look no further than Healthedly for all your answers about health insurance and coverage. Start getting enrolled today, grab a free quote, and chat with a Healthedly agent. We are here to help you get the right healthcare coverage.

December 22, 2022
https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Healthedly-Blog.png 900 1366 Rebecca Allen https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Healthedly.svg Rebecca Allen2022-12-22 12:03:412022-12-20 14:00:51Are You Enrolling in the Right Health Plan?

Does Your Small Business Have to Provide Health Insurance?

Group Insurance Plans, Health, Obamacare, Small Business
Does your small business have to provide health insurance?

With Open Enrollment upon us, many individuals and families access the health insurance market seeking the right coverage. 

If you are a small business owner, you may be wondering what to expect and what to prepare for as far as supplying your employees with health insurance. You may also be wondering what qualifications you need to meet and what you need to expect as an employer providing benefits for your employees. 

Here is what small businesses should know about health coverage for employees. 

1) How big is your small business?

Is your company an “ALE”? An “ALE” is an Applicable Large Employer with over 50 full-time employees.  If your company is an ALE, you will need to start offering insurance to your employees. If your business does not qualify yet as an ALE, you do not need to offer insurance. However, such a benefit could be an incentive to future employees, and help grow your company. 

2) Full-time or part-time employees? 

If you have 50 employees or more and they are full-time employees or full-time equivalents, your company would be an Applicable Large Employer. Moreover, at least 50 of your employees need to be full-time equivalents to make you an ALE. If you have 25 full-time equivalent employees and 25 part-time employees, you need not offer insurance benefits. 

3) Advantages of offering health insurance as a small business owner

Offering health insurance to your employees offers quite a few advantages that you might have not thought of yet:

Providing health insurance could be an incentive for employees to stay at your company.  

Health insurance for employees could give your company a competitive edge and give you the opportunity to stand out among other employers. Adding health insurance as part of a benefits package can help you as a business owner recruit and retain great employees!

4) What about the “Family Glitch”? 

Recently, the “Family Glitch” resolved in favor of families seeking health coverage sponsored by employers. In past years, many families fell through the cracks of the healthcare system. Only the employee could afford insurance sponsored by the employer. But the employee’s family members could not afford that coverage. This year, the Biden administration resolved this “Glitch” in the 2013 ACA law.  Now, families can access full coverage with employer-sponsored health insurance or through the individual market if dependent coverage is deemed unaffordable.  

Are you a small business looking for group plans and coverage for your employees? Reach out to Healthedly to get a free quote and answers to any other questions you may have. Call 855-522-2201 for more information!

December 6, 2022
https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Healthedly-Blog.png 900 1366 Rebecca Allen https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Healthedly.svg Rebecca Allen2022-12-06 09:18:202023-02-17 17:42:16Does Your Small Business Have to Provide Health Insurance?

Open Enrollment vs. Annual Enrollment

Individual and Family, Medicare, Special Enrollment Period
Open Enrollment vs. Annual Enrollment

While you might be happy with your existing health insurance plan, it’s never a bad idea to explore your options and consider whether you might benefit from changing your coverage.

If you’re looking to update your health plan, you can make changes during certain months of the year known as “enrollment periods”. But how do the enrollment periods work, and when can you amend your existing coverage? At Healthedly, we understand the terminology can seem daunting, so here’s a breakdown of the difference between open and annual enrollment periods so you can see how they might apply in your situation.

Open Enrollment Period

The open enrollment period (OEP) is a time when you can change your health insurance. When is the open enrollment period? Well, the exact time frame depends on your provider, but it usually falls around October, November or December. Open enrollment for the ACA in 2022 runs from November 1st, 2022 to January 15th, 2023.

During the OEP, you can:

  • open a new policy
  • switch plans 
  • amend your level of coverage

Who can use the OEP? Typically it applies to individuals who don’t have an employee-sponsored healthcare plan; for example, the self-employed. So, if you don’t have employee-sponsored health insurance and you want to change your plan to suit your evolving health needs, then this is your window of opportunity.

Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period

Medicare has its own annual open enrollment periods. Here’s everything you need to know about it!

  • Medicare open enrollment period: If you have a Medicare policy, you can switch, change, or cancel your plan between October 15 and December 7.  
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment period: Individuals with Medicare Advantage plans can change, cancel, or switch their coverage between January 1 and March 31.
  • You could switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare during this special enrollment period for Medicare customers.
  • Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription coverage to a Medicare Advantage with a Prescription Drug plan (or vice versa).
  • Switch to a new plan with a different provider
Healthy multigenerational family walking together through a field

Annual Open Enrollment Period

The annual enrollment period (AEP) applies to individuals with employer-sponsored health insurance. During this window – which, again, usually falls between November and December – you can change your policy, join a new plan, amend your coverage, or cancel your insurance.

  • Check with your employer if you’re unsure when your annual enrollment period is. 
  • Your employer may require you to take some affirmative action to renew your coverage each year, so double-check your policy to see if there’s anything you should do before the window ends.

Open Enrollment vs. Annual Enrollment

While you might sometimes see OEP and AEP used interchangeably, they are slightly different.

  • Anyone with an employer-sponsored health insurance plan can change their coverage during the annual enrollment period. 
  • If you don’t have an employer-sponsored healthcare plan, you can change your coverage during the open enrollment period. 

Finally, if you have a Medicare plan, you can change it during the annual enrollment period which typically runs from October to December. And if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make a one-time policy change between January and March.

Open Enrollment or Annual Enrollment: Which Is Right for You?

Ultimately, this comes down to your personal circumstances. Whether you use an open enrollment or annual enrollment period depends on:

  • what health insurance coverage you already have;
  • whether your employer covers your health insurance; and 
  • what changes may be required to ensure your health insurance covers your needs.

At Healthedly, we know how confusing the health insurance market can be, and we’re committed to helping our clients choose the right coverage at the right time. Our friendly, experienced team can walk you through a range of health plans to suit your budget and your long-term care needs – and we can offer you free enrollment support when you need it most.

Still looking for the right health insurance plan? Call 855-522-2201 to receive a quote today!

October 11, 2022
https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Healthedly-Blog.png 900 1366 NP Accel https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Healthedly.svg NP Accel2022-10-11 09:02:082023-01-09 10:58:59Open Enrollment vs. Annual Enrollment

The Quick and Easy Guide to Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in 2023

ACA, General
A stethoscope and an open enrollment medical insurance form.

Open enrollment for health insurance in 2023 will be here sooner than you might think.

The earliest you can sign up for 2023 coverage through the federal government health insurance marketplace is Nov. 1, 2022, according to Healthcare.gov. General enrollment ends on Jan. 15, 2023.

It’s crucial to have a plan and make sure you find and purchase the health coverage you need before the open enrollment period ends. Otherwise, you may not be able to secure coverage or need to wait to see if you qualify for a special enrollment period.

There are plenty of questions about open enrollment for 2023. We’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make a more informed decision about your health care and insurance coverage.

Can I get Health Insurance Outside of Open Enrollment in 2023?

Yes, but only if you have a qualifying life event during that time. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) points to these qualifying events that open up special enrollment, including:

  • Loss of coverage (leaving a job that provided insurance, for example)
  • Loss of dependent status
  • Income increases or decreases that affect health care marketplace eligibility
  • Marriage
  • Change in immigration status

Additionally, if you’re close to age 65, you can sign up for Medicare once you are three months away from your birthday. You can also explore Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription Drug coverage.

Outside of those situations and a few others, you may not be able to purchase coverage outside of open enrollment for health insurance in 2023.

What if I Miss Open Enrollment for Health Insurance?

You can purchase short-term insurance from a private carrier if you miss open enrollment. These plans are an effective way to make sure you have some coverage. However, making sure you take action during open enrollment is your best option.

When Does Health Insurance Start After Open Enrollment?

The KFF explains that coverage can start at two points, assuming the first premium payment is made on time:

  • Enroll by Dec. 15, 2022, and coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2023.
  • Enroll after Dec. 15, 2022, and coverage begins on Feb. 1, 2023.

Can I Add My Spouse to My Health Insurance After Open Enrollment?

You can add a spouse to your health insurance within 60 days of your marriage. Otherwise, you generally need to wait until the next open enrollment period.

Will Pre-Existing Conditions be Covered in 2023?

Yes, pre-existing conditions are covered in 2023. An insurer in the health insurance marketplace can’t deny you coverage due to an existing medical issue.

Finding Health Insurance Coverage You Can Count On

There’s still time to look at health coverage, compare prices, and find a plan that works for you. Be prepared for open enrollment and start making your plan today.
Still looking for the right Health Insurance Plan? Browse available plans here!

September 14, 2022
https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Healthedly-Blog-1.png 900 1366 NP Accel https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Healthedly.svg NP Accel2022-09-14 06:09:072023-02-17 17:40:30The Quick and Easy Guide to Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in 2023

Healthcare.gov: You Can Do This!

ACA, Health Resources, Individual and Family, Medicaid
Read more
March 15, 2021
https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Healthedly-Blog.png 900 1366 healthedly23 https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Healthedly.svg healthedly232021-03-15 02:30:002022-08-30 22:26:54Healthcare.gov: You Can Do This!

COVID-19 Relief Package Includes Expansion of Health Care Coverage

ACA, News
Read more
February 18, 2021
https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Healthedly-Blog.png 900 1366 healthedly23 https://healthedly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Healthedly.svg healthedly232021-02-18 02:28:592022-12-16 14:00:50COVID-19 Relief Package Includes Expansion of Health Care Coverage

Categories

  • ACA
  • COVID-19
  • Dental
  • Finance
  • Flu Season
  • General
  • Group Insurance Plans
  • Health
  • Health Resources
  • Individual and Family
  • Life Insurance
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Mental Health
  • News
  • Obamacare
  • Self-care
  • Short Term
  • Small Business
  • Special Enrollment Period
  • Supplemental
  • Travel Medical
  • Vision

Archives

  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021

Healthedly
Call: (855) 522-2201

Email: support@healthedly.com

2929 N Central Expy Ste 175, Richardson, TX 75080

Insurance Plans

Individual & Family Plans

Medicare Plans

Life Insurance Plans

Dental & Vision Plans

Small Business Health Plans

Travel Health Plans

Shop By State

Resources

Español

Healthedly Blog

Insurance Payment Options

Special Enrollment Period

Medicaid & CHIP

Health Insurance FAQs

Community Events

Elite Plus Circle of Champions

This website is operated by Healthedly Insurance Services, LLC. It is not the Health Insurance Marketplace website. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Leave Us A Review  |  Privacy Policy

© Copyright Healthedly Insurance Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Scroll to top