As Open Enrollment Begins, Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency Encourages Consumers to Enroll Early
Monday October 26, 2020
Health Insurance Marketplace runs November 1 - December 15, 2020
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency wants consumers to know that they have until December 15 to renew their coverage or enroll in a plan in order for their health insurance coverage to begin on January 1, 2021. It is important to act now. If you do not take action by December 15th, you will not be able to get coverage for 2021 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Qualifying events for a special enrollment period include:
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Marriage
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Divorce
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Loss of current coverage
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Birth of a baby•Adoption of a child
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Moving
Here are a few more facts about the Marketplace that will help you determine whether or not you need to apply for coverage:
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The Health Insurance Marketplace is for people who don’t have health coverage. If you don't have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source that provides qualifying health coverage,the Marketplace can help you get covered. If you already have coverage through the Healthy Michigan Plan, Medicaid, or MIChild you must renew every year; you should look for information in the mail from the Michigan Department of Human Services about renewal.
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If you do have job-based insurance, you can buy a plan through the Marketplace, but you'll pay full price unless your employer's insurance doesn't meet certain standards. Most job-based plans do meet the standards.
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If you have Medicare, you can't switch to Marketplace insurance, supplement your coverage with a Marketplace plan, or buy a Marketplace dental plan.
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What you pay for insurance depends on your income. Your savings depend on your expected household income for the year. Based on your income,you may qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly insurance bill, and for extra savings on out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments.
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Anyone with coverage through the Marketplace can keep their plan or shop for a new one. Individuals who do not log in and update their applications may be automatically enrolled in a 2021 plan. Anyone with insurance through Marketplace should log in, update their plan information, and view all plan options for 2021 to find the plan that fits best.
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If you are uninsured, you should review options, check to see how much financial help is available, and choose the coverage that meets their needs and fits your budget. Visit www.healthcare.gov to find out more.
Consumers should log on to Healthcare.gov by December 15thto get the comprehensive health coverage they need.