A note about this enrollment season for ACA. Where we are, and where we're going.
Bottom Line First 1) Your plan should renew for a January 1 effective date. It will be similar, but with some changes. 2) Your subsidy will renew also - but probably at a lower amount for 2022. 3) We have until January 15th to make final changes for 2022.
Now 1) What is your income estimate for 2022? 2) Who is your Primary Care Physician and any specialist you see regularly. 3) How do you want your insurance to work?
Then Relax - We have plenty of time to review this carefully and make the best decision for 2022.
What to choose? We can help!
I have been working with folks here in WNC since 1999, and health insurance has been the biggest part of the service I have provided. In ALL those years, I have NEVER seen a situation like this, where we have a number of excellent companies providing effective plans at great prices for consumers.
All of the companies have plans which work differently from others. Copays, deductibles, out of pockets maximums, telehealth, in-store discounts, preventative dental, and HMO vs PPO. The newer companies are working on contracting doctors and providers into networks. This work is ongoing and their list changes daily.
One effect of this has been the "benchmark plan" premium which the Marketplace uses to calculate premium subsidies has decreased. Therefore the subsidies have decreased as well; average of 8-12%. This means you could pay more for similar coverage.
Let's look at a couple of quick examples:
Jack and Jill are in the early 50's, have 2 children, and are looking to make around $85,000 in 2022. Their employer does not provide insurance so they should qualify for a $2,020.00 monthly premium discount. Five of the plans (out of 124 options) look like this:
Jane is 39, and is estimated to make $35,000 in 2022. Her employer does not provide insurance, so she should qualify for a $420 monthly premium discount.
Four of the plans (out of 124 options) look like this:
Next Steps - Please complete these questions and let us know, so we may get to work. 1) What is your income estimate for 2022? 2) Who is your Primary Care doctor and any specialists you see regularly? 3) How do you want your insurance to work?
OR - Click the link HERE for a short Google form. ( Do Not Click "Switch Account" at the top. We will not get your response if you do.)