Attention, everyone! If you’re looking to enroll or make changes to your individual or family health insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for 2018, this week is crucial. The open enrollment period ends this Friday, December 15th.
The ACA, often referred to as Obamacare, allows you to sign up for health insurance via your state’s exchange or individual marketplace during this designated open enrollment timeframe. If you experience a significant life event—such as getting married, having a baby, or going through a divorce—you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Additionally, if you’re eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can sign up anytime.
To check your eligibility and enroll, head over to Healthcare.gov. If you want to explore the plans and their costs before making a decision, you can do that here. Just a heads up: any plans you purchase during this open enrollment will not take effect until January 1, 2018. For visual learners, check out this informative video on the enrollment process.
This year, the enrollment window is significantly shorter than in the past, shrinking to just 45 days. Previously, participants had nearly three full months to evaluate their options and sign up. Some states have extended their open enrollment periods, so it’s worth checking to see if yours is one of them.
Notably, the Trump administration has drastically reduced funding for outreach efforts, slashing promotional expenditures from $100 million to a mere $10 million. Moreover, funding for “navigators,” who assist individuals in signing up for coverage, has been cut by 41 percent. These navigators are especially vital during the final days of enrollment, as they help encourage younger people to get covered, especially when sign-ups tend to spike.
If you don’t have health insurance from an employer, government coverage like Medicare or Medicaid, or are over 26 and no longer covered under a parent’s plan, you need to enroll under the ACA. You might also qualify for tax credits, which can make your health insurance more affordable.
Over 20 million individuals have benefitted from the two major components of Obama’s healthcare law—expanded Medicaid and subsidized private health insurance. The ACA aims to lower the number of uninsured people and provide everyone with access to quality coverage at a more attainable price.
So, if you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time! And for those on the journey to parenthood, explore our tips on boosting fertility with supplements, and check out our at-home insemination kit for comprehensive options.
In summary, the ACA open enrollment deadline is fast approaching. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity to secure your health coverage for the coming year.
Keyphrase: ACA Open Enrollment Deadline
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