2020 Open Enrollment starts on November 1st and will end December 16th

I wanted to update you on what to expect in the coming Month as Open Enrollment will begin in less than 45 Days.  2020 Open Enrollment starts on November 1^st and will end December 16^th.

THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE TO THE INCOME REQUIREMENTS BECAUSE OF THE MEDICAID EXPANSION FOR 2020. 

Below is a chart that indicates if your income is 0-138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) you will be placed on Medicaid. If your income is between 139-400% of the FPL you will continue to receive APTC and be able to select a private health plan as usual.   If you don’t want to be on Medicaid, you will need to CONTACT DHW and increase your income, if it is possible, to above 139% FPL.  Medicaid expansion will cause many individuals to lose health insurance in Idaho and be forced to move over to Medicaid as an adult.  Prior years APTC was given to those between 100-400% FPL.  Now it will be $139-400%.

I cannot help you if you are Medicaid eligible.  We are not allowed to do anything with Medicaid eligible individuals.  So if you receive a notice that you are losing APTC and being moved to Medicaid, FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS as we won’t know anything about it.  I do foresee it being an issue for some, and a blessing for others!

This timeline is approximate as mailing times can vary.  It’s important to remember, most plans INDEX slightly each year.  Meaning deductibles and copays might change slightly from year to year.  Some plans even go away.  It happens every year.  When a plan is no longer available YHI crosswalks you automatically to the closest plan.  PLEASE take the time to look at any changes you may have for 2020.  We can’t possibly keep track of every change for everyone.    Everyone has different premiums and credits that affect the plans so they have to be looked at individually.   If you contact my office we will certainly review any changes with you and make recommendations.

Again, if you think your income will be in the Medicaid range, and you don’t want Medicaid, you need to reach out to DHW to increase your projected income for 2020.  They may make you verify it so please be as accurate as you can be to get the most benefit available.

I will be scheduling appointments AFTER NOVEMBER 1^st.    October 1-31^st I have to focus my time on Medicare individuals to make sure they are completed.  So during this time, I really will be busy focused on those individuals.  Please don’t schedule prior to November 1st as we can’t do anything prior to this date anyway.

I look forward to helping you and your family for 2020!