Since early this fall, the promotional materials for health insurance options have been flooding my mail box and likely everyone else’s, too, in preparation for open enrollment or the period when people can change or enroll in a health insurance plan. Open enrollment for 2020 runs from November 1 to December 15, 2019 but some job plans may have different open enrollment times. Outside of the open enrollment time, one can only enroll in a health insurance plan if certain qualifications are met for a special enrollment period.
Each year it is a good idea to review options provided by one’s current plan to see if it will continue to best meet one’s health needs for the next year. Prior to open enrollment, most plans publish changes to annual costs and policy changes. It is also a good time to take a look at different plans should the current one become excessively expensive or discontinue coverage that is needed.
The process of sorting through plans and comparing options can be intimidating and confusing. There are resources available to help one navigate the various options. HealthCare.gov has a wealth of information online designed to help one make the best decision. Another resource might be to enlist the help of a trusted insurance agent. A third option is to enroll in Smart Choice: Health Insurance Basics and/or Smart Choice: Health Insurance Actions. The Smart Choice classes are online classes offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Both of these classes are free and designed to make comparing policies and understanding coverage easier.
Smart Choice: Health Insurance Basics will meet online, November 6, 7-8 pm. One must register for the class by November 4 at http://bit.ly/schi14326. This class will provide an overview of health insurance and cover strategies for selecting a health insurance plan that will meet your health care needs and fit your spending plan.
Smart Choice: Health Insurance Actions will meet online, November 13, 7-8 pm. Registration must be completed by November 11 at http://bit.ly/schi14328. This class will provide information on maximizing benefits, understanding billing statements, resolving errors, securing medical information, and keeping necessary health documents.
Most importantly, know when your open enrollment period is and take the time to review your options before the deadline so that the best policy will be in place to meet your health care needs for the coming 12 months.
