Time to Enroll for Individual Health Insurance
Individual health insurance open enrollment ends Dec. 15. Insurance bought during this period will be effective Jan. 1, 2021.
“A COUNTRY Financial client can make an appointment with their local financial representative,” explained Sara Sturgeon, COUNTRY lead life/health brokerage account representative. “From there, the representative can assist and review all of the options COUNTRY can offer through our contracted carriers. A wide range of representatives are very knowledgeable with health insurance. If they are not equipped, that is where Brokered Insurance Solutions can step in and assist the financial representative and client.”
COUNTRY representatives can also assist clients with the open enrollment process. As far as what plans may work for IFB members and their families, that will depend on individual situations and preferences.
“There are several types of plans offered through our carriers,” said Sturgeon. “COUNTRY clients will want to decide how much they wish to spend per month, how much out of pocket they wish to spend and any other benefit of a plan, such as having a doctor office copay or prescription coverage. They will also want to make sure their doctor(s) are in network based on the plan they choose. Their COUNTRY financial representative can help them view the plan options best for their client individually or as a family.”
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also administers a website where individuals can review and compare Marketplace Plans. Visit HealthCare.gov for more information.
Most importantly, individuals should begin exploring all of their health insurance options now, as the deadline to enroll will approach quickly.
“We recommend not waiting until the deadline,” noted Sturgeon. “Open Enrollment is a short, 45-day window, so a COUNTRY client should contact their local financial representative early on in the open enrollment period to find the plan best fit for their needs and to complete their enrollment.”