We have been writing for several months urging you to be ready to act on October 1 — the date Open Enrollment begins for health insurance plans effective in 2014.
Everywhere you turn, you’re probably hearing that date in conjunction with Obamacare — the Affordable Care Act.
Well, guess what? Have you ever stood in line at a popular store on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving)? Ever lined up at the Apple Store to buy the newest iPhone on the day it was released? (Our own Jon Katz has been known to do that!!)
At Virginia Medical Plans, we are beginning to think October 1 may be more like “Terrible Tuesday,” with a virtual mob scene of people trying to access health insurance online and over the phone.
As recently as this week, in fact, the Wall Street Journal reports technical glitches are expected to cripple the online marketplaces. Even before the official opening of the exchanges, health insurance agents all over the country have been experiencing online crashes as they try to register with their state.
So we are adjusting our advice!
Waiting a couple weeks may be your best bet. Let some of the technical glitches be worked out in those early days of October. And avoid the mad rush that accompanies the “first day” of something so big.
Most of all, remember, we have until mid-December to get you enrolled in a plan with an effective date of January 1, 2014.
We are expecting a very heavy volume of calls and emails in the coming weeks, so please be patient as we work hard to respond to every one!