Open Enrollment Is Here: Choosing a 2021 Health Plan That Works for You

Choosing the right health plan is important for you and your family. Unfortunately, understanding the ins and outs of health insurance can be difficult, no matter what type of coverage you need. As complicated as insurance may seem, you only have one chance to enroll during open enrollment. In the state of California, open enrollment runs from November 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021, and during this time, you will be able to choose the plan that works for you. Health insurance doesn’t have to be confusing, and with just a bit of preparation and by working with a health insurance broker Santa Rosa, you can pick the perfect plan for you and your family.

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Signing Up for Health Insurance in California

Signing up for an on-exchange plan via the insurance marketplace is a relatively simple process. Once you’ve created an account, you can fill out an application for coverage online. To complete your application, you will need to provide personal information that will help determine if you qualify for a subsidy, which can help you pay for your monthly premium. If you qualify for a subsidy, it will be automatically applied to your premium, and depending on your income level, it can drastically reduce your health insurance costs. If you do not qualify for a subsidy, the exchange will let you know if you qualify for other government-assisted health plans such as Medicaid or Medicare.

You also have the option to sign up for a health plan directly through a health insurance company. The vast majority of the plans offered by health insurance companies can be found on the exchange. To enroll in this manner, visit the website of the health insurance company you wish to purchase a plan from. If a plan offered by the company is on the exchange, you will be directed to the exchange website so you can see if you are eligible for a subsidy. You can also sign up for an off-exchange plan, but you will not be eligible for a subsidy.

You may also work with a health insurance broker. A broker is a licensed professional who is trained to help individuals choose a health plan. Brokers have in-depth knowledge of the health insurance industry and they can help you choose a plan through the exchange or directly through an insurer. It is also important to note that most insurance brokers do not charge a fee for their services.

Qualifying Life Events and the Special Enrollment Period

If you need to enroll in a health plan outside the open enrollment time frame, you may be able to do so if you experience a qualifying life event, such as:

• Losing health coverage from an employer
• Getting married or divorced
• Having a baby or adopting a child
• Moving to a new coverage area
• Gaining citizenship

If you experience a qualifying life event, you will have the option to enroll during the Special Enrollment Period, which is the window of time outside of open enrollment.

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Work With the Right Insurance BrokerBy working with the right broker, you can find the right plan that meets all your needs. Contact us today at 707-823-3689 to learn more about health insurance.