Time is running down for most people* needing to buy individual health insurance policies for 2019. While the Trump administration is refusing to do its job of telling you that, luckily the word is still getting out, this time at USA Today, where a helpful article tells you much of what you need in order to head into the marketplace informed.
For the millions of people already enrolled, here's the most important item: Don't allow the marketplace to automatically re-enroll you in your current plan or a similar one. Do the shopping and make the comparisons yourself, because everything—premiums, deductibles, in-plan providers—can change from year to year. With all the adjustments insurers have had to make following Trump's various sabotage efforts, there are also some good deals to be had.
Chances are also good that there will be new choices available as well: "Fifty-eight percent of enrollees will have a choice of at least three insurers in 2019, compared with 48 percent who did so this year, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. ... Meanwhile, the share of enrollees with just one marketplace insurer in their area will drop to 17 percent in 2019 from 26 percent this year."
It’s worth taking the time to do the research. Check out sites like the Get Covered Connector from Young Invincibles, the Kaiser Family Foundation’s subsidy calculator, and Get America Covered. Then head to HealthCare.gov and get it done.
*Here are the states with extended deadlines for enrollment:
- California – January 15, 2019
- Colorado – January 15, 2019
- D.C. – January 31, 2019
- Massachusetts – January 23, 2019
- Minnesota – January 13, 2019
- New York – January 31, 2019
- Rhode Island – January 31, 2019