By Mark Holyoak, Chief Executive Officer of Castleview Hospital
Open enrollment for health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace is here. From Nov. 15 through Feb. 15, individuals and families in the Carbon and Emery community and across the country can enroll and gain access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare coverage. Whether you’re currently uninsured and enrolling for the first time or enrolled in a 2014 Marketplace plan and want to re-enroll or make a change in your health coverage, now is the time to review your and your family’s needs and make sure you’re appropriately covered with the right plan for you.
The Health Insurance Marketplace in Utah is ran by the federal government and is located online at www.healthcare.gov.
As you investigate your options on the Marketplace, Castleview Hospital can help answer questions and ensure that you have the right coverage.
Re-enrolling for 2015
If you purchased a Marketplace plan last year and are re-enrolling, review your existing plan and determine if it still meets your needs. Pay close attention to plan changes, premiums, and whether your doctor and preferred hospital are still in the plan. Plans and estimated premiums for 2015 coverage are available for review at www.healthcare.gov.
Every plan is different. Your plan may automatically re-enroll you for 2015 or you may be required to take action to renew your coverage. By now, you should have received two important notices about your coverage, one from your insurance company and one from the Marketplace. These notices will provide an overview of what you can expect and action steps (if any) you must take to re-enroll.
• If you will be automatically re-enrolled in your same or a similar plan, you don’t have to do anything to keep your coverage. Your premiums, however, may change beginning Jan. 1, 2015.
• If your plan is not going to be offered in 2015 or you will not be automatically enrolled, the Marketplace or your insurer will send you a notice explaining what to do next.
• Even if your current plan features automatic re-enrollment, you can still choose a different plan on the Marketplace if you wish. Because premiums may change from year to year, it is recommended that you explore your options on the 2015 Marketplace during open enrollment.
Key Enrollment Dates
Mark the following dates on your calendar for open enrollment season:
Nov. 15, 2014: Open enrollment begins on the Marketplace.
Dec.15, 2014: Deadline to enroll in coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014: Last day of 2014 Marketplace plan year coverage.
Jan. 1, 2015: First date of available coverage, depending on how soon you enroll (or re-enroll).
Feb. 15, 2015: Open enrollment for 2015 ends.
Castleview Hospital Can Help
If you’re new to the enrollment process or re-enrolling and have questions, Castleview Hospital is ready to help. We have Certified Application Counselors (CACs) onsite to support you in the application process.
Contact us today for help. You can call us toll-free at 1-888-982-9144, or at (435) 637-4800 x4117. Our CACs are available for phone or personal appointments, Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
You can also email us to ask questions or set up an appointment at castleview.CAC@lpnt.net or visit us online at www.castleviewhospital.net for information, including a handy checklist of documents you will need for enrollment.
Take control of your health by considering health insurance this year.