Confused about health insurance this year? Here’s what you must know

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

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This story is sponsored by SelectHealth.

You may be feeling a little confused about health insurance this year. Don’t let it stop you from finding the right coverage for yourself or your family: Learn what’s changed—or what hasn’t—and get the answers you need so you can make the right decision.

Here are five things you should know about open enrollment in 2017:

1. Open enrollment is shorter. If you purchase your own health insurance (such as an individual plan), the period of time when you can renew your existing health insurance plan or enroll in a new one is called open enrollment. And this year it’s shorter than ever: To get coverage for 2018, you must enroll between November 1 – December 15, 2017.
2. Expanded Bronze offers more choice. In addition to the existing Gold, Silver, and Bronze metal tier options available in the Health Insurance Marketplace, there is a new tier called Expanded Bronze. With mid-to-low range prices and out-of-pocket costs, plans on this tier may be more affordable for some Utahns currently on Silver plans. Learn more about choosing an Individual health plan.
3. Subsidies are still available. While the federal government hashes out health insurance, your options for getting health insurance through subsidies haven’t changed. You may still qualify for an Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) or Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR), so be sure to run your numbers and assess your needs for 2018. If you want to lower your out-of-pocket costs (who doesn’t?), it might actually be more cost-effective for you to change to a different plan type or consider your deductible options.
4. It’s worth shopping around (and talking to an expert). “Many people are surprised to learn about the differences between plans and are happy to learn that they may qualify for help paying for their family’s health coverage,” says Heidi Castaneda, SelectHealth individual/small employer sales director. She advises people to be proactive in asking questions when they don’t understand their plan options. For example, how an out-of-pocket maximum works or when copays and deductibles apply.
5. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Many health insurers hold open enrollment events where you can sit down with an agent and talk privately about your health insurance needs. Unfortunately, some people don’t know what type of coverage they have until it’s too late to change. “SelectHealth is committed to helping people find a plan that meets their needs—we genuinely want our members to be happy with the plan they choose,” says Castaneda. Find an upcoming open enrollment event near you. When you attend, bring any documents from last year and pertinent financial information so you can get as many answers as possible. When it comes to choosing a health plan, procrastination is not your friend. The more you know, the better you'll feel — perhaps literally! Get health insurance for preventive care, prescription drug coverage, visits to the doctor, and more for 2018. There are plenty of resources available to help: Attend an open enrollment fair, pick up the phone (call SelectHealth at 855-442-0220), contact your agent, visit selecthealth.org, or visit healthcare.gov to get started now. Assistance is also available through the Association for Utah Community Health and Take Care Utah.