Open Enrollment Period Archives

4 Things You Should Do to Plan for the Open Enrollment Period

The Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period is coming up: starting November 1st, you’ll have around 6 weeks to find a plan that meets your needs. That means a lot of information about all the different health insurance plans available, and information about any changes to your current plan will soon be coming your way. You’ll have to sort through all of this while trying to figure out how much coverage you need, and what you can afford, which can feel like a lot. And this time is going to come and go quickly! That means it’s important to begin planning now, so you are ready and don’t feel rushed during the process.

Luckily, you won’t have to feel alone during this OEP, because EZ.Insure is here to help! EZ.Insure makes the enrollment process stress-free and simple. Our easy-to-use platform provides free quotes and side-by-side comparisons of all the available health plans in your area. We also have a team of dedicated agents who are always on hand to help guide you through the process or answer any questions, so you can leave feeling confident in your coverage. To help you feel even more prepared, we’ve compiled a brief list of helpful tips so you can tackle this OEP with ease.

woman smiling with a headpiece on — *EZ’s certified insurance agents are also always up-to-date on the newest healthcare plans.*

1. Choose an Unbiased Agent

Who you choose to work with when looking for a health insurance plan is a very important decision, and plays a big part in finding a comprehensive, affordable plan. It’s important to work with a licensed, knowledgeable agent who is not connected to a certain type of health insurance plan or insurance company, so you can get an unbiased look at all available options in your area.

EZ’s agents work with the top-rated health insurance companies in the nation, and we guarantee that we will compare all plans in your area so that you can find the perfect plan. And not only are our agents independent, but they are also always up-to-date on newer healthcare plans, so they can provide you with all the information that you need before you make your decision.

2. Consider ALL of Your Options

After choosing to work with an EZ agent, you can simply ask them to research every option that you have, as well as help you weigh all the pros and cons of each plan. There are many different types of healthcare plans available, including PPO plans, HMO plans, or metal tier plans; if you’re not sure what’s best for you, an EZ agent will go over all of these different plan types, and will not try to limit you to a certain plan. We will lay all of your options on the table and review the coverage and cost of each one.

3. Ask the Right Questions

When it’s time to start searching for plans, think ahead of time about what you want to ask your agent, and what is important to you in a plan. In addition to asking about prices and coverage options, have a list of questions you want to ask, like:

Is advanced primary care included in the plan?
Can you keep your current doctor?
Do you qualify for subsidies for any of the plans?
Can you see doctors outside of your network?
Is mental health care (or anything else you’re interested in having covered) covered?
Is a higher deductible or lower premium plan better for you?

4. Find the Plan That Has the Most Value

People often choose the cheapest plan available, but this cheapest plan might not have the best benefits available for the price. A good health insurance plan will come from a quality carrier, provide comprehensive benefits, allow you to see the doctors you want to see, and have affordable co-pays. And remember, if you go for the cheapest plan available, you might end up paying more out-of-pocket when you use medical services. Our agent will review your medical needs and budget, and search for a plan that will check all the boxes for you.

Need Help? EZ’s Got You Covered

The health insurance Open Enrollment Period will be open from November 1st through January 15 (depending on your state), so now is the perfect time to reconsider getting a health insurance plan, or to look closely at your current one to make sure it will cover all of the above-mentioned costs. And if your plan doesn’t cover everything you need it to, it’s time to find a plan that does, so you can save as much money as possible.

If you’re shopping for a plan, your best bet is to speak to a licensed EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, so we can compare plans in minutes. We will not only find a plan that has all the benefits you’re looking for, but we will also make sure the plan meets your financial needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation.

Missed The OEP? Don’t Worry, You Can Still Get Great Health Insurance!

Life can get hectic, and it’s easy to forget about the little things – or even the big things, like getting health insurance! And if you were one of the people who completely forgot to look into health insurance during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP), you’re probably stressing out about what you can do. But you don’t have to stress about it! There are ways to enroll in a health insurance plan outside of the OEP, so you don’t have to wait until next year to find a plan. In fact, you can still find an affordable plan that will keep you covered until the next Open Enrollment Period, with the help of an EZ agent.

Why the Open Enrollment Period Exists

Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010, insurance companies could raise insurance premiums. Or refuse coverage to a person based on their medical history and conditions. But the Affordable Care Act made it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage. Or charge more based on someone’s pre-existing conditions. But in order to ensure that people don’t only purchase health insurance once they get sick, the ACA set up a specific time during the year when people are allowed to purchase health insurance on the ACA Marketplace – the Open Enrollment Period.

Your Options Outside of the Open Enrollment Period

While it might sound like there’s no way to get health insurance now that the OEP is over, there are actually a few ways. For example:

A Special Enrollment Period Based on Qualifying Life Events

If you experience a major change in your life, known as a qualifying life event, you will be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Which allows you 60 days to enroll in a health insurance plan or change your current plan. What exactly are the qualifying life events that trigger a SEP?

A qualifying life event is a significant change in your life that would make you eligible to enroll outside of an Open Enrollment Period. These changes include:

Getting married
Getting divorced (specifically, if you were getting your health insurance through your spouse’s employer)
Having a baby, adopting a baby, or placing a child up for adoption or into foster care
Losing your spouse/partner, and being left without health insurance
Your spouse/partner losing their job (specifically if you had coverage through their employer)
Losing your job and employer-based coverage
No longer being a full-time employee eligible for workplace coverage
Moving outside your plan’s coverage area
Leaving jail/prison
Gaining citizenship

Short-Term Plans

illustration of two hands holding a clock on an orange background — *Short term plans are cheaper than ACA plans!*

If you do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the next step is to consider a short-term plan. These plans are much cheaper than ACA plans but do not offer as much coverage. They are worth considering, though: short-term healthcare plans provide fast, flexible insurance with many benefits. You can pick your deductible amount from many options. And you can drop coverage without a penalty for a long-term insurance option.

You can get one of these policies at any time and it will cover you for 364 days. It’s important to note that they do not have to cover pre-existing conditions. So premiums can be based on your medical history.

These plans are considered minimum essential coverage because they are not regulated by the Affordable Care Act. Because they are not subject to ACA rules, these plans do not have to cover all the ACA’s 10 essential health benefits, which include:

Ambulatory patient services
Emergency services
Hospitalization
Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment
Prescription drugs
Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
Laboratory services
Preventive and wellness services, and chronic disease management
Pediatric services

How EZ Can Help

Missing the Open Enrollment Period is more common than you might think, so don’t feel alone. And even if you missed it, you don’t have to go uninsured. EZ.Insure wants to make sure that you are protected from any catastrophic and unexpected healthcare emergencies. We will compare all available short-term plans in your area to find a plan that gives you the most coverage with the most savings. And because we just want to make sure you are properly insured, we offer all of our services at no cost to you. We will provide you with your own personal agent who will go over your needs and find a great short-term plan that can temporarily insure you until the next Open Enrollment Period. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

Do You Have to Apply for Health Insurance Every Year During the OEP?

Each year, starting on November 1st, Americans have the opportunity to make changes to their health insurance plans. It’s important to take advantage of this time, because a lot of things can change in your life throughout the year, such as having a child, getting married, or changing your job, which could require changes to your health insurance plan, as well. But what if you haven’t had any major changes in your life? Is it necessary to apply for a new health insurance plan every year? Well, it depends.

Do You Have To Apply?

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the one time during the year when you can change, cancel, or purchase a new health insurance plan. Depending on what state you live in, it begins on November 1st and lasts until mid-to-late January. It is the perfect time to assess your current health insurance plan, check if it’s going to change in the new year, and decide if it will fit your future needs, or if it’s time to get a new plan.

A common misconception every year when the health insurance Open Enrollment Period begins is that you have to make changes to your current plan. That’s not necessarily true. If you have reviewed any changes to your current plan that will be going into effect for the following year, and you are happy with the changes, there is no need to find or apply for a different plan.

However…

It’s in your best interest to review all of your available options so you know if there are policies out there that might be better for you. You should look carefully at the different types of plans available, including the different metal tiers, which offer a range of coverage options and price points. Generally, the difference between the tiers lies in what percentage of your expenses the plan covers.

In addition, you should look into subsidies that you might qualify for, especially now that they have been extended through the American Rescue Plan Act. You may now qualify for subsidies that you might not have qualified for a year or two ago. This is why it’s very important to work with a knowledgeable agent who can go over all of your needs to make sure you find the perfect plan for you and your family.

Need Help?

person with a red question mark — *If you do not know where to begin, EZ will make the process quicker and easier by comparing available plans in your area in minutes.*

When trying to select the right health insurance plan for you and your family, you will come across many different choices. The right one for you will depend on your lifestyle, the doctors you want to see, and any medical equipment you need or medications that you take regularly.

Comparing plans is the best way to find an affordable plan that provides the right level of coverage for you. Before you start doing the work of comparing on your own, come to EZ. We will make the process quicker and easier by comparing available plans in your area in minutes. Our licensed agents work with all the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can go over your budget and needs, and find the best plan for you and your family. We compare plans and offer guidance at no cost to you. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Open Enrollment is Here! Tips for Maximizing Your Benefits Post-Covid

There’s no doubt that our country has been deeply affected by the pandemic, physically, mentally, and financially. It has opened the eyes of many Americans as to how important health insurance is. And now that the health insurance Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is finally here, it’s time to focus on your health and find a great affordable plan that meets your needs while saving you some money. Before you know it, the OEP will be over, so consider the following tips to help maximize your benefits post-Covid.

Health Insurance Options

The first thing you should do now that the Open Enrollment Period is here is think about your current healthcare expenses, including premiums, deductibles, and any other out-of-pocket costs. If your current plan isn’t working for you financially, try:

Checking if you qualify for a health insurance subsidy. The American Rescue Plan has allowed millions more Americans to save money on their health insurance premiums, with some even qualifying for $0 premiums.
Looking at all of your available health insurance plan options. If the type of plan you have isn’t working for you, look at another type, like metal tier plans, HMOs, PPOs, or any other plans that are available in your region. Comparing plans and their coverage options is the best way to ensure that you find a plan that will provide you with the best coverage without costing you an arm and a leg.

Health Savings Accounts

The next thing you should do is look into ways that you can save with plan add-ons. For example, one thing that has been overlooked by many people, but is now making a comeback thanks to the pandemic, is the health savings account (HSA). These accounts, which are only available with high-deductible health plans (HDHP), will help with healthcare costs by allowing you to save up money in a tax-advantaged account to use for medical expenses.

You can use your pre-tax money to cover any out-of-pocket expenses, including prescription drugs and doctor visits. Any contribution that you add to this health savings account will grow on a tax-free basis, and any money that you do not use will be rolled over to the following year.

Wellness Resources

And speaking of extras, the final thing you should do is take advantage of any wellness resources that are available to you through your workplace post-pandemic. These wellness resources are programs that are offered by your employer that can help you in a variety of ways, with things like financial coaching, stress management classes, tuition assistance, tutoring services, mental health counseling, gym memberships, and more.

Taking advantage of these wellness resources could help improve your health and wellbeing, which could in turn help get you better health insurance rates, especially if your health improves because of them. Not only that, but they can help you with your finances, which is important for so many of us post-pandemic.

Find Great Insurance

One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family is getting a comprehensive health insurance plan that will allow you to get the preventive care and treatments you need. EZ.Insure can help you find a great plan that will save you money on your doctor visits, medications, and monthly premiums. Because our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, we can search through all the available plans in your area and find the right one for you. And all of our services are free of charge! No hassle or obligation. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

4 Things That Can Turn Into an Out-of-Pocket Nightmare

Keeping on top of your health is one of your top priorities – or at least it should be! You know you shouldn’t put off getting that weird pain you’ve been feeling or that mole on your arm checked out, so that whatever is going on doesn’t get any worse. But maybe you’re avoiding a trip to the doctor because you’re worried about the cost. And we get it: if you don’t have health insurance you could be facing a big, and we mean BIG bill from any medical provider you see; but even if you do have insurance, you could still find yourself stuck with a big bill if you don’t have the right health insurance plan. Find out which things besides co-pays and deductibles can turn into out-of-pocket nightmares, especially if you’re uninsured or underinsured.

1. Ambulance Rides

illustration of an ambulance — *Ambulance services charge by the mile, and trips can easily cost you $1,000 or more!*

As if having to take the ride to the hospital in an ambulance isn’t scary enough, wait until you see the amount that ambulance services charge. While ambulance rides are often covered by health insurance, your plan will usually not pay 100% of the bill: depending on your coverage and your policy limits, you could end up paying an average of around $550 out-of-pocket. And if you don’t have insurance? Ambulance services charge by the mile, and trips can easily exceed $1,000 and occasionally even reach $2,000. If you need an air ambulance, you’ll be looking at a bill of around $27,000.

2. Your Lifestyle

Are you a dare-devil? Like tough mudder runs? Or maybe just want to stay as fit as possible so you work out regularly? That’s all great, but if you break a bone, tear a ligament, or injure yourself in any other way, you could end up with thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you don’t have health insurance or if you don’t have enough coverage, your active lifestyle could mean paying a lot of out-of-pocket.

3. Outpatient Services

Surprisingly, outpatient services can land you with some large out-of-pocket bills. The average outpatient visit in the United States costs nearly $500, with recent studies showing that outpatient services account for 49% of medical debt. Doctors and specialists often push to provide services, including surgeries, at outpatient facilities rather than in the hospital; while these facilities are cheaper than hospitals, they are still expensive, and will often tack on extra fees that your health insurance will not pay for.

4. Hospital Expenses

illustration of a doctor standing over a hospital patient and looking at an Xray — *If you are not admitted, and are only under observation in the hospital, you can face some unexpected charges.*

Studies show that the most common unexpected charges include emergency room visits, health-related tests, and specialist visits while a patient is staying in the hospital “under observation.” If you are not admitted to the hospital, but only “under observation” and your doctor requests tests, or visits you, these services are not simply covered under your hospital stay (which you would normally have a one-time copay for). Instead, you will pay for each doctor or specialist visit as a copay as if it was a visit to your doctor’s office, and you will have to pay the coinsurance for each lab work and/or test conducted in the hospital. All of these things can add up to a few hundred dollars. In addition, if you need any medical equipment afterward, such as a boot or crutches, these will also cost you a lot of money out-of-pocket.

The health insurance Open Enrollment Period is still open until January 15 (depending on your state), so now is the perfect time to reconsider getting a health insurance plan or looking into your current one and making sure it will cover all of the above-mentioned costs. And if your plan doesn’t cover everything you need it to, it’s time to find a plan that does, so you can save as much money as possible. If you’re shopping for a plan, your best bet is to speak to a licensed EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, so we can compare plans in minutes. We will not only find a plan that has all the benefits you’re looking for, but we will also make sure the plan meets your financial needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation.

Questions To Ask When Requesting Health Insurance Quotes

The Open Enrollment Period is coming to an end soon, and if you still haven’t looked into your health insurance options for the new year, now is the time to do so. But we get that picking a plan can be overwhelming because of all the options out there, so we want to give you the inside scoop on finding the best plan for you: your best bet is to work with an insurance agent. They know the ins and outs of health insurance and work with every insurance company, so they can get you the best possible plan. The best part? If you work with an EZ agent, we will compare plans for you for free! So if you’re ready to get started, we’ve got the most important questions to ask when requesting health insurance quotes from your EZ agent.

What Types Of Plans Are Available?

There are a lot of plans – and we mean A LOT – of different plans out there to choose from. There are metal tier plans, HMOs, PPOs, POSs, EPOs, and more. Each plan offers different levels of flexibility, coverage options, and rates; your available options also depend on where you live, so be sure to ask your EZ agent which plans are available in your region. We will gladly go over every single option and discuss the difference between each plan, so we can help you determine which one is right for you and your family.

What Are The Metal Tiers?

Health plans available on the ACA Exchange are separated into four metal tiers. These tiers do not indicate the level of care you will receive; rather, the tiers let you know how much you will pay for care and how much your insurer will pay. The tiers are:

Bronze– Lower monthly premiums, but a higher deductible and copays. You will usually pay an average of 40% of costs of care, and your insurer will pay 60%.
Silver– Moderate monthly premiums and moderate medical costs. You will pay 30%, and your insurer will pay 70%.
Gold– Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs. You will pay 20% and your insurer will pay 80%.
Platinum– Highest monthly premiums and lowest out-of-pocket costs. You will pay 10% and your insurer will pay 90%.

We will be able to go over this in more detail, including what each type of plan will cover and how much you will pay, so you can have a better understanding of how these plans work.

Can I Add Supplemental Insurance?

Dental and vision are considered supplemental insurance plans; some health insurance plans do not offer these, so you will have to ask if they are part of the plan you are looking into. If they are not, we can help you find affordable dental and vision plans.

What is A HDHP & Will It Work For Me?

High deductible health plans are exactly what they sound like: these plans have high deductibles, but in exchange, you will have low affordable monthly premiums. These plans are generally for healthy people who only see the doctor for annual physical exams and do not have any chronic conditions that require constant medical attention, and who will most likely not have to pay their whole deductible. For 2022, the Internal Revenue Service has defined a HDHP as any plan with a deductible of at least $1,400 for an individual, or $2,800 for a family.

How Are Medications Covered?

money made out of medication pills — *Medications are covered differently on plan’s drug formulary, which determines how much your medications cost.*

Figuring out the cost of your prescriptions can be a little complicated since different insurance companies can charge differently for the same drug – some drugs might even be covered differently by the same insurer depending on the plan you choose. Basically, insurers put medications into a drug formulary, which is divided into four tiers:

Tier 1– Inexpensive generic drugs
Tier 2- Brand name drugs and more expensive generic drugs
Tier 3– Non-formulary drugs, generic or brand name
Tier 4- Specialty drugs

To find out which plans cover your medications and how much you will be charged based on their placement in the insurer’s drug formulary, you need to speak with an EZ agent. We will review each plan available in your area and their drug formularies to make sure that your medications are covered, and that they will not cost you an arm and a leg.

What About Out-of-Network Coverage?

Some plans, like HMOs, will not cover out-of-network coverage, but PPO and POS plans do cover out-of-network coverage in case of an emergency. If you travel or visit family in other parts of the country often, you’ll definitely want to consider a plan that covers out-of-network emergencies; otherwise, if you have an accident while away from home, you could be stuck with a bill that you have to pay out-of-pocket.

Do I Need Referrals?

With some plans, you’ll need a referral from your primary care physician (PCP) to see a specialist, like a gastroenterologist or an orthopedic doctor. If you want to skip this step and see a specialist whenever you feel necessary, we can help you find a plan that does not require a referral. You’ll have more flexibility with a plan that doesn’t require referrals, and you won’t have to pay a PCP copay just to get a referral to see a specialist.

There are so many things to think about when looking for a health insurance plan for you and your family. Do you want more flexibility? Supplemental insurance? Cheaper prescriptions? The easiest way to find the right plan for you and get the answers to these questions is to work with an EZ agent. We will compare plans, go over every option, discuss your needs, and help you sign up for the plan you need, all at no cost to you. Our services are completely free, with no hassle and no obligation. Speak to an EZ agent now, before the OEP ends! Get free health insurance quotes by entering your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

Tag: Open Enrollment Period