Open Enrollment is a set time period each year during which anyone can buy a new health insurance plan for any reason. You cannot be denied coverage during Open Enrollment.
Open Enrollment for 2016 health coverage is November 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016.
| If you enroll in coverage ... | Your coverage will begin ... |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2015 - December 15, 2015 | January 1, 2016 |
| December 16, 2015 - January 15, 2016 | February 1, 2016 |
| January 16, 2016 - January 31, 2016 | March 1, 2016 |
2016 Open Enrollment is Here
If you are uninsured, Open Enrollment is your chance to get coverage for 2016 and avoid a penalty tax.
If you were covered in 2015 under an individual/family health plan (vs. having coverage through your employer), your carrier should have notified you in October with news about any changes to your plan and/or pricing for 2016.
If you are comfortable with your carrier’s offering for 2016, you won’t need to do anything. Simply continue to pay your premiums on time* and your coverage will renew (or the new plan that’s been selected for you will start) effective January 1, 2016.
However, if you’re not satisfied with what’s being offered, or if you’re curious about what else may be available, we’ve made it easy to research your options.
Will You Qualify for a Subsidy in 2016?
Whether you need new coverage or are thinking of switching plans, first find out if you qualify for a subsidy in 2016 based on your projected income:
| # People in Your Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| You may qualify for a premium subsidy if your yearly income is between …. | $11,770 -$47,080 | $15,930 - $63,720 | $20,090 -$80,360 | $24,250 - $97,000 | $28,410 - $113,640 | $32,570 - $130,280 |
Shop for 2016 Health Plans
If you do qualify and you live in Virginia, visit www.enrollvirginianow.com to view available “on-exchange” plans. This is Virginia Medical Plans’ exclusive portal into the federal exchange that expedites enrollment — just for our Virginia clients.
If you don’t qualify, it’s best to search for plan outside the exchange. You can request a quote here and then view and enroll in “off-exchange” plans in Virginia and Maryland, as well as all plans in DC.
Things to Keep in Mind
- It’s important to read all correspondence from your insurance carrier carefully.
- If you anticipate a change in income for 2016, it’s a good idea to revisit your health plan.
- If you switch plans, your network of doctors may change.
- Be mindful of the deadlines for buying 2016 coverage, shown above.
- If you switch plans after January 1, your deductibles will reset.
- If you are uninsured for more than 3 months during 2016, you may be assessed a tax penalty.
Virginia Medical Plans – One Stop Shopping for VA, MD, DC Residents
We work with all the major carriers in Virginia — both on- and off-exchange — and can advise you of the best plan for your needs. We also work with off-exchange plans in Maryland, as well as exchange plans in DC (Carefirst and Kaiser Permanente).
Best of all, there is never a fee for our services! Your premium will be the same no matter how or where you buy your coverage.
But when you work with Virginia Medical Plans, you have access to our assistance now and for the life of your policy!
We are standing by to take your call at 703-707-8270 or toll free at 888-396-2341.
*Some carriers require you to notify them if you plan to continue paying premiums via bank draft when selecting a new plan for 2016. Please check with your carrier.
Super helpful! Thank you!