The open enrollment period for individual health insurance coverage on healthcare.gov has started and will continue until January 15. The Insurance Division of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs reminds residents that those with current health coverage through the marketplace can renew their plans during this period.
Enhanced subsidies to reduce premiums are available for eligible new and returning consumers in 2024. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expanded the availability of financial assistance through the marketplace, and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended these benefits through 2025.
Residents are encouraged to shop and compare plans to see if they are eligible for enhanced subsidies to reduce their premiums. It is important to understand what the health insurance policy covers and identify current health care needs such as services, health care providers, and prescription drugs before making a decision.
The enrollment deadline for coverage that starts on January 1 is December 15. For more information on health insurance, residents can visit cca.hawaii.gov/ins/consumers/health.
To help consumers navigate the open enrollment process, Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito emphasized the importance of understanding what their policy covers, identifying their current healthcare needs, and comparing plans before making a decision.
“What you pay each month for health insurance is important, but you also need to understand what your policy covers,” Ito said in a news release earlier this month.
“Identify your current healthcare needs such as services, health care providers, and prescription drugs. Keep these in mind as you compare plans and see how they measure up against your current policy.”
Consumers should be mindful of out-of-pocket costs they may have to pay as well as the monthly premium when selecting a plan.
In conclusion, it’s crucial for residents to take advantage of this opportunity to shop around for individual health insurance coverage on healthcare.gov before the deadline ends on January 15th