If you haven’t selected a new individual health insurance policy yet, don’t panic.
True, Monday December 15, is the deadline to get coverage that starts on January 1, 2015.
But open enrollment runs through February 15, 2015. You can still switch plans or get a new health insurance with a February 1 or March 1 effective date.
If you want to switch plans but can’t get it done by December 15, here’s what you do: nothing.
If you do nothing, then you’ll keep the policy you have. If your monthly premium is going up, then you will need to pay the new amount on your January (and possibly February) bill, so you maintain coverage until your new policy starts.
Once you select a new policy, then you can drop your current plan. But you can only do this during open enrollment.
So, be sure about what you want to do.
After February 15, 2015, if you drop your plan (or don’t pay the bill), then you won’t be able to get coverage unless you have a qualifying event. (Things like getting married, having a baby, etc.)
Our enrollment center phones are ringing off the hook. However, we are taking appointments and we will get everyone enrolled before February 15.
If you live in Kansas or Missouri and we can assist you in finding you best health insurance options, on or off the Health Insurance Marketplace, please give us a call at 913-333-3389.
To your health!
