One of the most common questions insurance agencies hear is, “When can I sign up for health insurance?” Signing up for health insurance can be a frustrating process. If you aren’t sure where to look or even what to look for, you might settle for a health insurance plan that doesn’t exactly fit for you. With the help from FutureWise Insurance, we can get you a health insurance plan that is just right for you and your family.
About Open Enrollment
Every year between November 1st and December 15th (in most states), people are able to sign up for a health insurance plan for any reason. Once signed up, coverage begins on January 1st of the next year. For example, if you sign up in November of 2019 then your health insurance coverage begins January 1st, 2020. This 45-day period can pass in a blink of the eye, so the sooner you get in touch with us the sooner we can find health insurance for you.
You don’t have to have a qualifying income to apply. You can apply with any income and sign up for health insurance. But if you have an income between 100 to 400% of the federal poverty level you may be eligible to get something called a subsidy that can lower down your monthly costs and also improve your benefits.
Many people worry about the tax penalty for not having insurance. However, you no longer need to worry about this because the tax penalty is no longer instated as of the beginning of 2019. However, without health insurance, you could run into a situation where you wish you did. If you get sick or hurt and need medical care, you will have to pay the full expense out of your pocket by yourself. Obtaining health insurance is a smart decision.
Special Enrollment Periods
Outside of the open enrollment period, people are limited to when they are able to sign up for health insurance. Unless there is a special reason, you most likely won’t be able to obtain a health insurance plan outside of the open enrollment season.
Some qualifying life events for a special enrollment period are:
- Losing Health Coverage
- Moving
- Getting Married
- Having a Baby / Adopting a Child
You usually will have 60 days following the life event to enroll in a health insurance plan. If you miss that 60-day window, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period to apply. However, you can apply for Medicaid, Medicare, or the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) at any time of the year. You don’t have to have a qualifying life event to enroll in these government-aided health insurance plans.
Why Choose FutureWise Insurance?
Here at FutureWise Insurance, we are a full-service brokerage agency. We take a highly personalized approach for each and every one of our clients. We get to know our clients and exactly what their needs are including things such as medications taken and preferred doctors. We then take that information and search for the best-fit health insurance plan that also fits within the client’s budget. We deal with major insurance carriers in the state of Texas including:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Humana
- Aetna
- United
- Cigna
- And More!
We also offer other insurance-related products other than health insurance. We can help you find disability, supplemental insurance (dental and vision), critical illness, accident insurance, and life insurance amongst others.
If you have any questions for you or for your family, don’t hesitate to reach out and give us a call at (210) 469-3900, or email us at info@futurewiseinsurance.com , or contact us online. Make wise future health decisions with help from FutureWise Insurance.
Join our newsletter for monthly updates, tips, and enrollment reminders!