Your Insurance …with Michele Campbell: Confused about open enrollment? Get answers from a professional

Published in the October 4 – 17, 2017 issue of Gilroy Life

Whether your questions are basic, complicated or delightfully philosophical, we want to hear about them, so we can help put your mind at ease.  Please email ([email protected]) or call our office (408) 848-2271 and get that nagging question off your mind today. Open enrollment season is almost here, and our agency wants to make sure we understand all of the questions and concerns that readers may have about this important and often anxiety-producing time of year.

Do you struggle to understand the difference between copays and coinsurance? Do you wish you could remember the differences between Medicare parts A,B,C and D? Maybe you have some questions about the best way to find a new doctor? We’re open to any questions, not just about Medicare plans but also Individual plans too. The two open enrollment seasons are just around the corner and we want everyone to be prepared to know what to do and when to do it.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. The Individual Open Enrollment Period is Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. (To make a change for Jan. 1 in the Individual Market, changes must take place by Dec. 15). Both open enrollment periods give you a Jan. 1, 2018 effective date, unless you enroll after Dec. 15 for the Individual Market, then you could have a Feb. 1, 2018 or March 1, 2018 effective date. The Individual market has been changing every year since the Affordable Care Act, (AKA Obamacare) went into effect.  Be sure not to miss the date to enroll or you’ll miss your opportunity for the entire year of 2018 and might be hit with a penalty on your taxes the following year.

Many people are concerned about the changes our government has been proposing. At the time that I’m writing this column, there have been no formal changes and all the previous rules are still in place, which means open enrollment time frames, penalties, etc., still exist. Even if changes are made, they probably won’t take effect until the following year.

If you’re thoroughly confused and really don’t know if you have the best plan for you, it’s probably time for you to reach out to a professional and make an appointment. Evaluations are free and can give you peace of mind.