Save money on insurance by visiting HealthCare.gov
Avoid risky “junk insurance” sold on other websites
There’s still time to enroll in health insurance at HealthCare.gov, but the deadline is rapidly approaching. Tuesday, December 15th is the last day people can enroll in comprehensive health insurance for 2021. People who miss that deadline risk being uninsured for all of 2021.
“As of November 28th, more than 24,000 Kentuckians had already enrolled, but we know more are eligible,” said Emily Beauregard, Executive Director for Kentucky Voices for Health. “There’s still time for people to sign up until midnight on the 15th, and anyone who needs health insurance should visit HealthCare.gov today. Do not put it off any longer. Time’s up.”
Health insurance is more affordable than many people think. In Kentucky, 55% of current marketplace consumers will have plans available for 2021 that cost less than $10 per month, after financial help. Eight (8) out of ten marketplace enrollees in Kentucky received help paying premiums this year. In addition, 41% of Kentucky enrollees also qualified for lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services. And even for the minority of HealthCare.gov consumers who don’t qualify for help, it’s worth taking a look at the options on HealthCare.gov.
Current marketplace consumers also have a great opportunity to save money in 2021 by visiting HealthCare.gov by December 15th to compare their plan options. In fact, consumers who visited HealthCare.gov to compare their plan options and select the plan that best fits their health and financial needs saved 38 percent per month, on average, in 2019, compared to consumers whose plans were automatically renewed.
“Most Kentuckians are eligible for financial assistance on HealthCare.gov and may not even realize it,” said Beauregard. “Shopping for coverage can feel intimidating, which is why kynectors are there to help. Because plans and prices change year over year, kynectors can compare plan options and make sure you get the best deal.”
Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings.
Consumers should avoid short-term limited duration insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. The “junk insurance” products pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits.
“HealthCare.gov is the only website where Kentuckians are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage,” said Beauregard. “People buying skimpy plans will be exposed to serious risks. Junk-plans tend to have cheaper premiums, but cover a lot less when you actually need care.”
The health insurance landscape can be confusing, but free, local in-person help is available. You can find someone to help you navigate the enrollment process by visiting kynect.ky.gov or getcovered2021.org.
Consumers should log on to HealthCare.gov by TOMORROW, December 15th to get the comprehensive health insurance they need.
