What you need to know about healthcare
coverage during open enrollment period
It’s that time of year again — open
enrollment for healthcare coverage.
While finding the right plan may
seem confusing, there are more resources
and ways to find reducedcost
coverage than ever before. If
you’re currently uninsured or your
coverage doesn’t meet your needs,
now is a good time to explore available
options to save money and reduce
stress about your healthcare.
Here are 5 things you need to
know to help you find the best healthcare
coverage for you.
Healthcare exchange subsidies can
help pay for coverage
The health insurance exchanges
(sometimes referred to as the healthcare
marketplace) provide access to
enroll in health plans for individuals
and families.
Millions of Americans are eligible
for advance premium tax credits
that allow them to purchase coverage
with no premium, or lower premiums
than they currently pay, depending
on their income. In fact, 4
out of 5 people who enroll in reducedcost
coverage through the health insurance
exchange can find a plan for
$10 or less per month.
On certain plans, some people
may also qualify for another form of
subsidy called Cost-Sharing Reductions
(CSRs), depending on income,
which reduce how much you have to
pay out-of-pocket toward deductibles,
coinsurance and copayments.
There are various, affordable coverage
options
More people qualify for reducedcost
coverage through the health insurance
exchange than ever before.
To be eligible for coverage under the
Affordable Care Act, you must live
in the U.S., be a U.S. citizen or national,
and cannot be incarcerated.
If you are offered healthcare coverage
through your employer, it is up
to you to decide between that coverage
or plans offered on the exchange.
You can compare them to see which
is better for your situation. Keep in
mind that, if you qualify for affordable
coverage through your employer,
you will not be eligible for financial
assistance to purchase a plan on
the exchange. Also, if you qualify for
Medicare or Medicaid, those options
may be a better fit for you.
The open enrollment period is
November 1 through January 15
You’ll have more time to shop for
2022 health coverage with an extended
open enrollment period, which began
November 1, 2021 and ends January
15, 2022, in most states. However,
enrollments need to be completed by
December 15, 2021 to have coverage
begin on January 1, 2022. Enrollments
completed between December
16 and January 15 will have coverage
effective from February 1, 2022.
If you experience a life change
such as unemployment, you may be
eligible to enroll for coverage outside
this open enrollment period.
You can fi nd multiple options through
UnitedHealthcare
Healthcare is a personal decision,
and your needs may change over
time. The best way to choose a plan
is to review the last couple of years,
and ask yourself:
* Did you have many prescriptions
and doctor visits?
* What did you pay for medications
and medical services?
* What physicians and hospitals
are in your area’s network?
Many plans (including United-
Healthcare Individual and Family
plans) offer 24/7 virtual visits for urgent,
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.26 COM | NOV. 19 - NOV. 25, 2021
primary and specialty care at
no additional cost, plus wellness and
other value-added benefits. United-
Healthcare is offering new benefits
for the 2022 plan year, which may
include $0 primary care, dental and
vision coverage, prescriptions as low
as $3 and complimentary digital fitness
classes on some plans.
“We’re including a number of benefits
this year to meet the needs of
all individuals,” said Marcus Robinson,
national vice president, United-
Healthcare. “Whether you’re looking
for low-cost prescriptions, wanting
no-cost access to fitness classes,
managing a chronic condition or
searching for a more convenient way
to connect with a provider, we’ve got
you covered.”
It’s easy to get started
Most areas have experts and licensed
agents available that speak
multiple languages to help you enroll
in the best plan for you and your family’s
needs. Learn more about coverage
options at UHCExchange.com, or
call 1-800-806-0451 (TTY 711) to speak
with a licensed agent about United-
Healthcare plans in your area.
Medical plan coverage offered by
UnitedHealthcare of Arizona, Inc. in
AZ, Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance
Organization, Incorporated
in CO, UnitedHealthcare of Florida,
Inc. in FL, UnitedHealthcare of Georgia,
Inc. in GA, UnitedHealthcare of
Illinois, Inc. in IL, UnitedHealthcare
Insurance Company in LA, TN and
AL, Optimum Choice, Inc. in VA and
MD, UnitedHealthcare Community
Plan, Inc. in MI, UnitedHealthcare of
North Carolina, Inc. in NC, United-
Healthcare of Oklahoma, Inc. in OK,
UnitedHealthcare of Texas, Inc. in
TX and UnitedHealthcare of Oregon,
Inc. in WA. Administrative Services
provided by United HealthCare Services,
Inc. or their affiliates.
Some plans may require copayments,
deductibles and/or coinsurance
for these benefits. This policy
has exclusions, limitations, reduction
of benefits, and terms under
which the policy may be continued
in force or discontinued. For costs
and complete details of the coverage,
review your plan documents,
call or write your insurance agent
or the company, whichever is applicable.
By responding to this offer,
you agree that a representative may
contact you.
— Courtesy of BPT
HEALTH
/UHCExchange.com
