If you live in Maryland and are covered by a CareFirst health insurance plan, chances are you’re going to see an increase in your monthly premiums in 2016. Effective January 1, CareFirst premiums in Maryland will be on average 26% higher than rates in 2015. What Can You Do? At Virginia Medical Plans, our number one goal is to educate you about your options and help you choose the one
Beat the March 31 Deadline for Health Insurance
You have until midnight on March 31, 2014* to beat the deadline for enrolling in 2014 health insurance coverage. *A qualifying event will allow you to enroll after March 31 Applying for Coverage Without a Subsidy If you are not eligible for a subsidy (click here to find out), you can enroll quickly and easily by filing an application directly with the carrier of your choice: CareFirst BC/BS Anthem BC/BS
I Can’t Afford Health Insurance in 2014
What Should You Do if You Think You Can’t Afford Health Insurance in 2014? If you have searched for health insurance and believe it is too expensive, please let us help you find a solution that meets your needs and fits your budget. The worst thing you could do is remain uninsured because the premiums feel out of reach. We can often find a plan that fits into your budget
Five Myths about the Affordable Care Act
There is a lot of confusion surrounding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Here are some myths, and the truths behind them: MYTH #1: I must purchase my health insurance on my state’s exchange (or the federal exchange in states like Virginia who are not running their own exchange). TRUTH: You only must purchase your health insurance on the exchange if you are eligible for and wish to collect a subsidy
Three Reasons Why You Should Enroll in Health Insurance Now
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), open enrollment for 2014 health insurance runs through March 31, 2014. We are well into February. If you have not yet enrolled in coverage, you may need some convincing as to why you should not wait until the last minute. Here are three compelling reasons to enroll in health insurance before March 31: Avoid the Rush If you think back to the days leading
December 23 Health Insurance Deadline Draws Near
December 23, 2013 is Almost Here It may feel like a race against the clock, but there is still time to enroll in health insurance by the December 23 deadline. Enrolling by that date will ensure you’re covered by January 1, 2014. What Should You do if You Have Not Gotten Health Insurance Yet? First of all, don’t panic! You still have a bit of time! (Note: Maryland residents
HHS Announces Changes to Help Americans have Coverage by January 1
In acknowledgement of the difficulties Americans have faced enrolling in health insurance coverage over the past few months, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has asked insurance companies to make some changes to the way they enroll people in January 1 coverage. Of the changes, only one is mandatory: Health Insurance companies must provide coverage effective January 1, 2014 for any person from whom they receive a premium
Another View From the Health Insurance Trenches
It has been about a month since we wrote about our experience “in the trenches” as we help our clients manage the transition to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Many of you are wondering how things are going. Record High Volume at Virginia Medical Plans We, like most brokers across the country, continue to experience a record high volume of calls and emails. As you can imagine, we are doing
Enrollment Extensions Under Affordable Care Act
Enrollment extensions for two key dates under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were announced last week. 1 – Enrollment Deadline for January 1, 2014 Health Insurance Plans You now have eight extra days — until December 23, 2013 (originally December 15) — to enroll** and pay for* coverage with an effective date of January 1, 2014. *Update: 12/13/13: According to an HHS ruling, you now have until December 31, 2013
