Open Enrollment is a set time each year when anyone can buy a new health insurance plan for any reason. You cannot be denied coverage during Open Enrollment.
Open Enrollment for 2017 health coverage is November 1, 2016 – January 31, 2017.
| If you enroll in coverage ... | Your coverage will begin ... |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2016 - December 15, 2016 | January 1, 2017 |
| December 16, 2016 - January 15, 2017 | February 1, 2017 |
| January 16, 2017 - January 31, 2017 | March 1, 2017 |
2017 Open Enrollment
Depending on your current situation, here is what you need to know about open enrollment.
If you are…
Uninsured: You should purchase 2017 coverage during open enrollment in order to avoid a penalty tax.
Covered under a 2016 individual/family health plan (vs. having coverage through your employer): Your carrier will notify you about any changes to your plan and/or pricing for 2017. If you:
- Are comfortable with your carrier’s offering for 2017 and your income will remain steady: Don’t do anything! Continue to pay your premiums on time* and your coverage will renew on January 1, 2017. If the carrier has selected a new plan for you, your new coverage will be effective January 1, 2017.
- Anticipate a change in income for 2017: Revisit your eligibility for a subsidy in 2017. See Step 1 below.
- Are not satisfied with what’s being offered for 2017, or if you’re curious about what else may be available: Follow these steps to research your options:
Step 1 – Will You Qualify for a Subsidy in 2017?
Whether you need new coverage or are considering switching plans, first find out if you qualify for a subsidy in 2017 based on the number of people in your household and your projected household income. Use 2016’s Adjusted Gross Income (line 37 on the 1040) to estimate your 2017 household income.
| # People in Your Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| You may qualify for a premium subsidy if your yearly income is between …. | $11,880 -$47,520 | $16,020 - $64,080 | $20,160 -$80,640 | $24,300 - $97,200 | $28,440 - $113,760 | $32,580 - $130,320 |
| You may qualify for a premium subsidy AND lower out-of-pocket if your yearly income is between… | $11,880 - $29,700 | $16,020- $40,050 | $20,160 - $50,400 | $24,300 - $60,750 | $28,440 - $71,100 | $32,580 - $81,450 |
Step 2 – Shop for 2017 Health Plans
If you qualify for a subsidy 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. Enter your zip code and click on “See Plans and Prices.”
If you don’t qualify, it’s best to search for a plan outside the exchange. You can request a quote here to view “off-exchange” plans in Virginia and Maryland, as well as all plans in DC. Enter your information and click on “Next Step.”
Step 3 – Visit our Enrollment Center
Visit our Enrollment Center for plan brochures, application instructions, and other information about health plans.
When Shopping Plans, Keep These Things in Mind
- Read all correspondence from your insurance carrier carefully.
- Revisit your plan if you anticipate a change in income for 2017.
- If you switch plans, be aware that your network of doctors may change.
- Pay attention to deadlines when buying 2017 coverage, shown above.
- If you switch plans after January 1, your deductibles will reset.
- If you are uninsured for more than 3 months during 2017, 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 2017. Please check with your carrier.
