ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions Provides Consumers Tips On Important Changes Regarding The Affordable Care Act
Bedford Park, IL (PRWEB) October 20, 2017 -- With the recent Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump, there are many changes that the public will need to know about regarding the upcoming 2018 Open Enrollment Period (OEP).
Bob Dial, Chief Compliance Officer, ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions (ACAEnroll.com), explained, “This year the OEP has been shortened to just 45 days. The OEP period has been cut in half from 12 weeks down to six weeks, and will run from November 1 to December 15, 2017. With the federal funding being reduced for advertising, consumers may not be as readily aware of the condensed time period they have to get enrolled for coverage,” Dial further explained that funding for Navigators has also been reduced, as such, there will be fewer resources available to assist consumers with shopping for a plan, calculating their subsidies and enrolling them for coverage for their 2018 health plan.
Two new rules for the upcoming OEP, which may have a major affect on a consumer applying for coverage include:
1. If a consumer has an outstanding premium balance from their 2017 health plan, the carrier may refuse them new coverage, until that premium is paid.
2. If a consumer has not yet filed their 2016 Federal Tax Return, the consumer may not be eligible for any premium subsidies.
Dial remarked, “This year more than ever, it will be important for consumers to work with a knowledgeable, licensed and certified professional that will work to understand their individual health needs, ensure they are in a plan and with a network that meets their provider needs, calculates the cost for their insurance, including obtaining any premium subsidies available for the consumer, which will help offset the cost of their annual premium.”
Dial further stated that the rule regarding tax penalties are still in effect. If a consumer who can afford health insurance does not purchase coverage during OEP, they will still be subject to a government fine. The fine for not having a qualified health plan is either $695 or 2½ percent of the consumer’s household income, whichever is higher. After OEP ends on December 15, 2017, consumers will not be able to get health coverage through the Marketplace until the next annual OEP, unless they have a qualifying life event.
OEP provides consumer the ability to shop for new plans and enroll for coverage. This is the only time consumers can purchase a qualified, guaranteed issue, Major Medical Health Plan, without a qualifying event.
Dial concluded, “With the reduced enrollment period, it will be important for consumer not to delay in shopping for their plan and enrolling for coverage. We anticipate a great deal of confusions by consumers, who are used to having more time to enroll for coverage and a rush in December to get enrolled for coverage before the December 15th deadline.”
ACAEnroll.com stands ready to assist consumer with all their enrollment needs. Their dedicated Call Center consists of a team of multi-lingual, health insurance professionals, that are trained to walk a client through the entire process of selecting a healthcare plan and enrolling them for their coverage, as well as responding to any questions they may have regarding their new health insurance policy. The ACAEnroll.com Call Center will be available to assist consumer with enrolling for their 2018 health plan. Go to http://www.ACAEnroll.com or call 1-800-342-0631 for more information.
About ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions:
Headquartered in Bedford Park, Illinois, ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions (aka ACAEnroll.com) is a national enrollment firm specializing in the Health Insurance Marketplace as well as variety of other ancillary health insurance products, including Dental, Critical Illness, Short Term Medical, and others. ACAEnroll.com provide enrollments services throughout the country, through national and regional insurance carriers. Effective November 1, 2017, the health insurance Marketplace opens for enrollment and the ACAEnroll.com Call Center will be available to assist consumer with enrolling for their 2018 health plan. Go to http://www.ACAEnroll.com or call 1-800-342-0631 for more information.
Linda Gardner, ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions, http://www.ACAEnroll.com, +1 708-638-9579, [email protected]
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