Health Insurance Open Enrollment is quickly approaching. This article includes important dates and information, helping you maintain, update, or sign up for a new health insurance plan.
The 15th of the Month Rule
Enrollment Date: November 1st – December 15th Effective Date: January 1st
Enrollment Date: December 16th – January 15th Effective Date: February 1st
Enrollment Date: January 16th – January 31st Effective Date: March 1st
Medicare Open Enrollment runs now until December 7th with a January 1st effective date.
Medicare Open Enrollment
What’s the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.
2024 Updates for Medicare & Medicaid
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is announcing the Calendar Year 2024 participants in the Medicare Advantage (MA) Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model. The estimated number of MA enrollees covered by the 69 MA organizations (MAOs) participating in the VBID Model in 2024 will increase by 47% in 2024 compared to 2023. These enrollees will potentially benefit from the additional supplemental benefits, reduced cost sharing, or enhanced rewards and incentives offered through the Model.
10 Essential Health Benefits All Plans Cover
- Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital)
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization (like surgery and overnight stays)
- Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
- Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (this includes counseling and psychotherapy)
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (services and devices to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills)
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- Pediatric services, including oral and vision care (but adult dental and vision coverage aren’t essential health benefits)
Improving Your Health
Knowing how to use your health coverage is important for better health and well-being. Health coverage isn’t only important when you’re sick, it’s also helpful even when you don’t feel sick.
After your health plan coverage starts, you can use it to help cover medical costs for services like:
- Filling a prescription at the pharmacy
- Going to the doctor
- Getting emergency care
Simplifying Health Insurance
Selecting a health insurance policy tailored to your unique needs can be confusing. At Conference Associates, our team is here to help navigate you through the process. Contact us today to learn more.
