Open Enrollment Ended January 31st

The next open enrollment begins November 1, 2017.  As I receive updates on new legislation, I will keep you posted.

You can still enroll in a BCBSNC_® plan as long as you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).  Here are a few examples:

• Getting married
• Having a baby, adopting a child or placing a child for adoption or foster care
• Losing other health coverage
• Moving to a new residence
• Gaining citizenship or lawful presence in the US

If you’re not eligible for the special enrollment period, consider enrolling in a short term plan.  Short term plans do not provide minimum essential benefits required by the Affordable Care Act, but many of my clients use this option if they missed open enrollment or if they only need it as a stop gap before their employer coverage begins.  Coverage can begin within 48 hours and there are a number of plans to choose from including ones with copayments to see primary care physicians.

Reminder:  Without an ACA plan, you may have to pay a shared responsibility payment (penalty) when you file your tax returns next year. Please speak with your accountant for further details.