health insurance OEP Archives

Do You Have to Apply for Health Insurance Every Year During the OEP?

Each year, starting on November 1st, Americans have the opportunity to make changes to their health insurance plans. It’s important to take advantage of this time, because a lot of things can change in your life throughout the year, such as having a child, getting married, or changing your job, which could require changes to your health insurance plan, as well. But what if you haven’t had any major changes in your life? Is it necessary to apply for a new health insurance plan every year? Well, it depends.

Do You Have To Apply?

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the one time during the year when you can change, cancel, or purchase a new health insurance plan. Depending on what state you live in, it begins on November 1st and lasts until mid-to-late January. It is the perfect time to assess your current health insurance plan, check if it’s going to change in the new year, and decide if it will fit your future needs, or if it’s time to get a new plan.

A common misconception every year when the health insurance Open Enrollment Period begins is that you have to make changes to your current plan. That’s not necessarily true. If you have reviewed any changes to your current plan that will be going into effect for the following year, and you are happy with the changes, there is no need to find or apply for a different plan.

However…

It’s in your best interest to review all of your available options so you know if there are policies out there that might be better for you. You should look carefully at the different types of plans available, including the different metal tiers, which offer a range of coverage options and price points. Generally, the difference between the tiers lies in what percentage of your expenses the plan covers.

In addition, you should look into subsidies that you might qualify for, especially now that they have been extended through the American Rescue Plan Act. You may now qualify for subsidies that you might not have qualified for a year or two ago. This is why it’s very important to work with a knowledgeable agent who can go over all of your needs to make sure you find the perfect plan for you and your family.

Need Help?

person with a red question mark — *If you do not know where to begin, EZ will make the process quicker and easier by comparing available plans in your area in minutes.*

Comparing plans is the best way to find an affordable plan that provides the right level of coverage for you. Before you start doing the work of comparing on your own, come to EZ. We will make the process quicker and easier by comparing available plans in your area in minutes. Our licensed agents work with all the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can go over your budget and needs, and find the best plan for you and your family. We compare plans and offer guidance at no cost to you. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Open Enrollment is Here! Tips for Maximizing Your Benefits Post-Covid

There’s no doubt that our country has been deeply affected by the pandemic, physically, mentally, and financially. It has opened the eyes of many Americans as to how important health insurance is. And now that the health insurance Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is finally here, it’s time to focus on your health and find a great affordable plan that meets your needs while saving you some money. Before you know it, the OEP will be over, so consider the following tips to help maximize your benefits post-Covid.

Health Insurance Options

The first thing you should do now that the Open Enrollment Period is here is think about your current healthcare expenses, including premiums, deductibles, and any other out-of-pocket costs. If your current plan isn’t working for you financially, try:

Checking if you qualify for a health insurance subsidy. The American Rescue Plan has allowed millions more Americans to save money on their health insurance premiums, with some even qualifying for $0 premiums.
Looking at all of your available health insurance plan options. If the type of plan you have isn’t working for you, look at another type, like metal tier plans, HMOs, PPOs, or any other plans that are available in your region. Comparing plans and their coverage options is the best way to ensure that you find a plan that will provide you with the best coverage without costing you an arm and a leg.

Health Savings Accounts

The next thing you should do is look into ways that you can save with plan add-ons. For example, one thing that has been overlooked by many people, but is now making a comeback thanks to the pandemic, is the health savings account (HSA). These accounts, which are only available with high-deductible health plans (HDHP), will help with healthcare costs by allowing you to save up money in a tax-advantaged account to use for medical expenses.

You can use your pre-tax money to cover any out-of-pocket expenses, including prescription drugs and doctor visits. Any contribution that you add to this health savings account will grow on a tax-free basis, and any money that you do not use will be rolled over to the following year.

Wellness Resources

And speaking of extras, the final thing you should do is take advantage of any wellness resources that are available to you through your workplace post-pandemic. These wellness resources are programs that are offered by your employer that can help you in a variety of ways, with things like financial coaching, stress management classes, tuition assistance, tutoring services, mental health counseling, gym memberships, and more.

Taking advantage of these wellness resources could help improve your health and wellbeing, which could in turn help get you better health insurance rates, especially if your health improves because of them. Not only that, but they can help you with your finances, which is important for so many of us post-pandemic.

Find Great Insurance

One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family is getting a comprehensive health insurance plan that will allow you to get the preventive care and treatments you need. EZ.Insure can help you find a great plan that will save you money on your doctor visits, medications, and monthly premiums. Because our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, we can search through all the available plans in your area and find the right one for you. And all of our services are free of charge! No hassle or obligation. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

Your Guide to Healthcare Options During Open Enrollment

The health insurance Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is here, and you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Sifting through all the different health insurance options available to you in your region can be tricky, but you know you and your family need to have health insurance to be protected. Don’t worry, though, if you work with a knowledgeable EZ agent, you’ll be able to find an affordable plan that will give you exactly what you’re looking for. Before you do that, we’re going to give you some guidance on how to start looking for the right plan for you.

What Is Open Enrollment?

Terms You Need to Know

If you’re looking at plans, you will come across some terms that might be unfamiliar to you, or that maybe you’ve never fully understood. To get a full understanding of your options, you should feel comfortable with the following terms::

Premium– The amount you need to pay per month to keep your health insurance plan active.
Deductible– The amount you will need to pay for healthcare services before your health insurance kicks in and pays the rest of your bills. For example, if you have a $2,000 deductible, you will have to pay that amount in medical bills before your plan covers your healthcare expenses.
Network- A group of hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare professionals that are covered by your plan.
Copay– A set amount you will pay when you see a healthcare professional. For example, you might have to pay $20 every time you see your primary care doctor and $30 when you see a specialist.
Coinsurance– The percentage you’ll pay for healthcare services after you meet your deductible. For example, you might have to pay 20% of a covered service, so if a procedure costs $200, you’ll pay $40.
Out-of-pocket maximum- The most you will pay out-of-pocket per year for your healthcare. Typically this will include your copays, coinsurance, and deductible.
High-deductible health plan (HDHP)- A type of plan that has a high deductible and lower premium. You can also get a health savings account (HSA) alongside a HDHP that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars towards qualified medical expenses. These types of plans are typically best for people who are healthy and do not see the doctor often.
Exclusion- What your plan will not cover – for example, cosmetic surgery.

Choosing A Plan

When trying to select the right health insurance plan for you and your family, you will come across many different choices. The right one for you will depend on your lifestyle, the doctors you want to see, and any medical equipment you need or medications that you take regularly. You should also take into consideration if you have children, especially if they play sports and might need to go to the emergency room.

You will also need to think about any possible changes in your life in the upcoming year. For example, will you be starting a family, getting married, going through a divorce, or any other life-changing event that will affect how much health insurance you need? Any of these events will mean you’ll need to reconsider your coverage.

In addition, you should look carefully at the different types of plans available, including HMOs and PPOs. With an HMO, you will get lower premiums, but you will be limited to a restricted network. PPOs, or preferred provider organizations, on the other hand, have a larger network. You will also have different metal tears to choose from which offer a range of coverage options and price points. Generally, the difference between the tiers lies in what percentage of your expenses the plan covers.

Last but not least, you should look into subsidies that you might qualify for, especially now that they have been extended through the American Rescue Plan Act. You may now qualify for subsidies that you might not have qualified for a year or two ago. This is why it’s very important to work with a knowledgeable agent who can go over all of your needs to make sure you find the perfect plan for you and your family.

Need Help?

Comparing plans is the best way to find an affordable plan that provides the right level of coverage for you. Before you start doing the work of comparing on your own, come to EZ. We will make the process quicker and easier by comparing available plans in your area in minutes. Our licensed agents work with all the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can go over your budget and needs, and find the best plan for you and your family. We compare plans and offer guidance at no cost to you. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

When Is Open Enrollment for 2023?

When it comes to your health insurance, Open Enrollment is the most important time of the year. This is the time that you’ll be able to change your plan, or enroll in a new one that better suits your needs and saves you money. So you have to know when the Open Enrollment Period, or OEP, starts and how long it lasts so that you don’t miss out!

The 2023 OEP begins November 1st, 2022 in most states, and since changes to the OEP last year, it generally runs through January 15th in most states. Some states, though, have extended their OEP a little longer. Take a look at the following so you know when your state’s OEP begins and when it ends.

States With January 15th Deadlines

Alabama

There are currently 33 states that have a January 15 deadline for the health insurance OEP.
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

States with Different OEP Dates

Some states with their own ACA exchanges have different date ranges for the 2023 Open Enrollment Period. The chart below shows the State Enrollment Period (SEP) and OEP dates for these states; other states have not yet announced their dates (these are also listed below).

State	State Open Enrollment Period for 2023 Plans
California	November 1, 2022 – January 31, 2023
Colorado	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
Connecticut	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
Idaho	October 15, 2022 – December 15, 2022
Kentucky	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
Maine	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
Maryland	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
Massachusetts	November 1, 2022 – January 23, 2023
Minnesota	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
Nevada	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
New Jersey	November 1, 2022 – January 31, 2023
New Mexico	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
New York	November 16, 2022 – January 31, 2023
Pennsylvania	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
Rhode Island	November 1, 2022 – January 31, 2023
Vermont	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023
Washington DC	November 1, 2022 – January 31, 2023
Washington	November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023

Looking For Affordable Health Insurance?

The health insurance Open Enrollment Period is open from November 1 until January 15 (depending on your state), so now is the perfect time to reconsider getting a health insurance plan, or looking into your current one and making sure it’s got you covered. And if your plan doesn’t cover everything you need it to, it’s time to find a plan that does, so you can save as much money as possible.

If you’re shopping for a plan, your best bet is to speak to a licensed EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, so we can compare plans in minutes. We will not only find a plan that has all the benefits you’re looking for, but we will also make sure the plan meets your financial needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation.

4 Things That Can Turn Into an Out-of-Pocket Nightmare

Keeping on top of your health is one of your top priorities – or at least it should be! You know you shouldn’t put off getting that weird pain you’ve been feeling or that mole on your arm checked out, so that whatever is going on doesn’t get any worse. But maybe you’re avoiding a trip to the doctor because you’re worried about the cost. And we get it: if you don’t have health insurance you could be facing a big, and we mean BIG bill from any medical provider you see; but even if you do have insurance, you could still find yourself stuck with a big bill if you don’t have the right health insurance plan. Find out which things besides co-pays and deductibles can turn into out-of-pocket nightmares, especially if you’re uninsured or underinsured.

1. Ambulance Rides

illustration of an ambulance — *Ambulance services charge by the mile, and trips can easily cost you $1,000 or more!*

As if having to take the ride to the hospital in an ambulance isn’t scary enough, wait until you see the amount that ambulance services charge. While ambulance rides are often covered by health insurance, your plan will usually not pay 100% of the bill: depending on your coverage and your policy limits, you could end up paying an average of around $550 out-of-pocket. And if you don’t have insurance? Ambulance services charge by the mile, and trips can easily exceed $1,000 and occasionally even reach $2,000. If you need an air ambulance, you’ll be looking at a bill of around $27,000.

2. Your Lifestyle

Are you a dare-devil? Like tough mudder runs? Or maybe just want to stay as fit as possible so you work out regularly? That’s all great, but if you break a bone, tear a ligament, or injure yourself in any other way, you could end up with thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you don’t have health insurance or if you don’t have enough coverage, your active lifestyle could mean paying a lot of out-of-pocket.

3. Outpatient Services

Surprisingly, outpatient services can land you with some large out-of-pocket bills. The average outpatient visit in the United States costs nearly $500, with recent studies showing that outpatient services account for 49% of medical debt. Doctors and specialists often push to provide services, including surgeries, at outpatient facilities rather than in the hospital; while these facilities are cheaper than hospitals, they are still expensive, and will often tack on extra fees that your health insurance will not pay for.

4. Hospital Expenses

illustration of a doctor standing over a hospital patient and looking at an Xray — *If you are not admitted, and are only under observation in the hospital, you can face some unexpected charges.*

Studies show that the most common unexpected charges include emergency room visits, health-related tests, and specialist visits while a patient is staying in the hospital “under observation.” If you are not admitted to the hospital, but only “under observation” and your doctor requests tests, or visits you, these services are not simply covered under your hospital stay (which you would normally have a one-time copay for). Instead, you will pay for each doctor or specialist visit as a copay as if it was a visit to your doctor’s office, and you will have to pay the coinsurance for each lab work and/or test conducted in the hospital. All of these things can add up to a few hundred dollars. In addition, if you need any medical equipment afterward, such as a boot or crutches, these will also cost you a lot of money out-of-pocket.

The health insurance Open Enrollment Period is still open until January 15 (depending on your state), so now is the perfect time to reconsider getting a health insurance plan or looking into your current one and making sure it will cover all of the above-mentioned costs. And if your plan doesn’t cover everything you need it to, it’s time to find a plan that does, so you can save as much money as possible. If you’re shopping for a plan, your best bet is to speak to a licensed EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, so we can compare plans in minutes. We will not only find a plan that has all the benefits you’re looking for, but we will also make sure the plan meets your financial needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation.

Which States Run Their Own Health Insurance Exchanges?

The Open Enrollment Period is almost over: you only have until January 15 to purchase or change your plan! With that being said, though, some states have chosen to extend their deadline; they can do this because, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), each state can run its own health insurance exchange, or Marketplace, in which people can shop for health insurance.

This state-based Marketplace is a government agency that is created and maintained by the state, and that offers subsidized ACA plans for residents of that state. You can buy a plan from your state’s Marketplace, or you have the option of buying off-exchange coverage from an insurance company; if you do this, you will not get premium subsidies and cost-sharing reductions– those are only available through the exchange. So which states run their own Marketplaces and what does that mean for you?

State-Run Vs. Federally Run Exchanges

When the ACA was passed in 2010, it provided funding and laid out rules for states to be able to establish their own exchanges; if states chose not to have their own exchange, the federal government would then step in and offer insurance for that state’s residents. So, many states chose to do it themselves so they could have more control of their Marketplace, and make it more profitable and sustainable. The federally run exchange, accessible through Healthcare.gov, is used in 36 states. The other 14 states (and Washington D.C.) have their own exchanges.

States With Their Own Exchanges:

California (Covered California)
- Deadline is January 31
Colorado (Connect for Health Colorado)
Connecticut (Access Health CT)
District of Columbia (DC Health Link)
Idaho (Your Health Idaho)
Maryland (Maryland Health Connection)
Massachusetts (Massachusetts Health Connector)
- Deadline is January 23
Minnesota (MNsure)
Nevada (Nevada Health Link)
New Jersey (Get Covered NJ)
- Deadline is January 31
New York (New York State of Health)
Pennsylvania (Pennie)
Rhode Island (HealthSource RI)
- Deadline is January 31
Vermont (Vermont Health Connect)
Washington (Washington Healthplanfinder)

If you live in a state that has its own exchange, your health insurance plan options and prices might be a little different than if you only have the option of using Healthcare.gov or going off-exchange. In addition, depending on where you live, your OEP might be extended! But just because your state is in control of the Marketplace, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great affordable ACA-compliant health insurance plan that is right for you by working with an EZ agent.

Looking For Insurance?

The best way to get the right plan for you and your needs is by working with a licensed health insurance agent. At EZ, our agents are highly trained and work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, in every state! We will connect you with a local agent who will go over your medical needs and budget, and sift through all the available plans in minutes. We’ll quickly find you a plan that will save you money – especially now, with the premium subsidies President Biden has extended to all Americans. You could save hundreds of dollars a year! No hassle and no obligation. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890.