Kevin Counihan, the new CEO of the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace (aka the Exchange or “healthcare.gov”), is predicting a much smoother roll-out of the ill-fated website than we saw last year.
Should we be hopeful? Maybe.
After all, Counihan was formerly in charge of Connecticut’s state-run health insurance exchange — one of the more successful exchanges out there. And he is touting the new and improved healthcare.gov as being so user-friendly it will earn the praise of “raving fans.”
With coverage on most individual and small group policies — both those purchased through a state- or federally run exchange and those purchased directly from an insurance carrier — set to expire at the end of 2014, we sure hope Mr. Counihan is right!
Open Enrollment for 2015 plans begins in just over one month — on November 15, 2014.
Features of New Healthcare.gov
One of the more anticipated features of the new-and-improved site is the ability to “window shop” for plans before purchasing them on healthcare.gov. This was not possible last year.
Counihan says the site will be live for our browsing pleasure about a week before the start of Open Enrollment.
One thing still not possible on healthcare.gov will be seeing which doctors, hospitals, and drugs are included in a plan’s network. In order to find that out, you will need to either call the carrier or visit its website.
Virginia Medical Plans Can Help
We want to remind you that we are available to assist as you work through your options for enrolling in 2015 coverage. A few key points:
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Start Early!
Perhaps the most important advice we can offer is to start your search for 2015 health insurance early.
If your coverage is expiring at the end of the year, you must purchase new coverage no later than December 15 in order to avoid a gap in coverage.
December 15 may sound far away, but with Open Enrollment starting only 30 days prior, your opportunity to act will come and go before you know it.
So please get in touch with us now to begin discussing your needs, budget, and any other considerations relevant to your choice of 2015 coverage.
Reach us by phone 1-800-867-0800 or email jkatz@vamedicalplans.com.
