Your Insurance . . . with Michele Campbell: Open enrollment ending soon

Published in the January 9 – 22, 2019 issue of Gilroy Life

Open enrollment for the individual market is coming to an end soon. You have until Jan. 15 to make a final decision, even if you’ve already made a plan change, you can change again. The options are pretty much the same as last year, but there are some different options. Some counties only have one carrier. If you don’t know what plans your doctor takes, you could be very disappointed when you show up to be told your doctor doesn’t take your plan. Your doctor can also choose to stop taking a plan mid-year and there is nothing you can do about that, nor make a plan change mid-year to follow your doctor. It’s very frustrating for many people but rest assured we keep fighting for better choices and more affordable healthcare.

Covered California (On the Exchange)

Covered California is the place to get financial assistance with health insurance. The lower your income, the higher the financial assistance. You can pick and choose to see what best fits you and your family. (If you have no income or your income is below a certain threshold, you will qualify for MediCal.) Not only can the financial assistance lower your premium, but can also lower your deductibles and copays. Pediatric dental plans are embedded on all health plans, and included on all plans through Covered California.

Off the Exchange

If you do not qualify for any financial assistance, there is no need to purchase your plan through Covered CA. You can go directly to the insurance company or through an insurance agent to purchase a plan and the application is much shorter as you won’t have to supply a list of personal information on your household and income.

New to Medicare?  Are you just turning 65 or just now retiring? You might be feeling a little overwhelmed if this is your first time looking at Medicare and how it works. While there is a lot of information out there, it is still confusing when you’re first learning about it. First you need to enroll in Medicare, a few months prior to turning 65, or if you’re collecting Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled and your card will be sent to you. Once you get enrolled in the Medicare system, you can purchase either a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement and a Part D prescription drug plan. If you’re not sure which way to get coverage, you can ask an Insurance Agent for help.

Independent Agents represent most or all carriers and don’t cost to use them.

Michele Campbell is the owner of Michele Campbell Insurance in Gilroy. She can be reached at (408) 848-2271 or [email protected].