Deadline Extensions With Covered California

Get The Coverage You Need By December 21st

If the hectic holiday season has made it difficult for you to secure the coverage you need this month, Covered California has a gift for you. Were you hoping to lock down coverage that will begin at the first of the year? If you have begun the application process, you will have until December 21st (rather than the original deadline of December 15th) to finish the application process.

Why the change? The executive director of Covered California, Peter Lee, says that a later date allows people some grace time for completing what he understands can be a complicated process for first-time users. Covered California knows that if you have never secured insurance before, you will want to sit down with a professional to help you understand the kind of coverage you need.

Meeting with a pro has been difficult for some people, and many enrollment counselors and insurance agents have been booked solid for the last couple of weeks. With hold times of nearly twenty minutes when calling a Covered California service center, the extra days until the deadline will make the sometimes time-consuming process of securing coverage less of a burden.

Whether you are one of the thousands of new enrollees (91,600 signed up between November 15th and December 11th) or are just looking to renew your existing policy, take advantage of these extra days to make sure you are getting comprehensive coverage for the lowest premiums.

To speak with a certified Covered California agent, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services, located in Redlands, today. Our team is committed to securing the best health insurance coverage for you at the most competitive rates in the industry. For all of your Southern California health insurance needs, connect with our team during this open enrollment period to get the peace of mind that comes with great coverage and avoiding Obamacare penalty fees.

4 Clear Advantages Of Working With A Broker During Open Enrollment 2015

November is in full swing, and you may be feeling the stresses associated with choosing the correct health care plan. Luckily, you do not have to go through this alone. The insurance professionals at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services in Redlands are here for you!

We can help to alleviate some of the pressure, and make open enrollment much easier. Our brokers can assist you with navigating the Marketplace, and providing a number of additional benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should not attempt to steer through the complex open enrollment process without the assistance of a Certified Covered California Broker:

  • Your insurance broker will be able to tell if you qualify for certain savings that you may otherwise be unaware of!
  • The Marketplace is full of an overwhelming amount of information. Unless you are a health care pro, it will take you hours upon hours to fully grasp, and find all of the information you need. A broker can help expedite this process. Time is money, and we are sure that you would appreciate a few extra hours to use elsewhere.
  • Brokers earn their living by making sure that you are satisfied. They will not stop working until you have a plan that fits perfectly into your lifestyle, and budget.
  • If you fail to work with a broker, you risk settling on a plan that is not comprehensive enough to cover you in your time of need.

In order to locate a Certified Covered California broker in Redlands California, please give the insurance professionals at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services a call! We offer a number of health plans for individuals, families, groups, those with critical illnesses, children, and more. One of our licensed agents will gladly provide you with a free quote, and can promise that you will not have to sacrifice comprehensive coverage for price!

“Metal Level” Insurance Categories: Explained!

Open enrollment 2015 is finally upon us! Now is the time to be consumed with thoughts of health care in order to financially prepare yourself for the future. If you are preparing for the important decision of selecting your new health plan, you are probably aware that there are a number of different insurance categories to choose from. The categories differ based on how medical expenses will be shared between you and your plan.

Five main categories currently exist, and are known in the health care world as “metal levels”. The different levels take an individual’s monthly premium, coinsurance, copay, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximum into consideration. Here is a break down of the metal levels:

  • With a bronze level plan, you will pay approximately 40%, while your health plan will cover 60%.
  • In a silver plan, the costs are split into 70%, and 30%. You will pay the 30%, and your health care plan will pay about 70%.
  • With a gold level plan, you will only pay about 20%! Your health plan will cover the remaining 80%!
  • A platinum level health plan will pay all but 10%. The remaining 10% will be up to you.
  • Catastrophic coverage plans are only applicable for individuals under the age of 30! Those with this type of plan will also need to qualify for a hardship exemption. Catastrophic coverage plans pay under 60% of health expenses.

In order to choose the right plan for your needs, at a price that you can afford, you must consult with a Certified Covered California Broker. These individuals have the experience necessary to provide you with quality health care advice. Contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services to get in contact with a broker, and make the open enrollment process much easier!

Important Open Enrollment 2015 Deadlines!

2014 is quickly coming to a close! The middle of November has passed, which means we are in the midst of open enrollment season. If you have not already taken the time to evaluate your current, and future health care needs, now is the time to do so. Knowing what you do and do not need in a health plan will make the selection process much easier.

In order to secure your new health plan, you need to make sure you meet the appropriate deadlines. You are only allowed to go 3 months with a gap in your coverage before you will be ordered to pay an expensive fine. In order to avoid this, and save yourself some time and money, familiarize yourself with these important dates:

  • Open enrollment 2015 officially begins on November 15th of 2014.
  • The final day to enroll for a health plan that will kick in on January 1st, 2015 is December 31st, 2014.
  • All health plans purchased through the 2014 Marketplace will cease to be effective beginning December 31st, 2014.
  • January 1st, 2015 is the first date that new health coverage can begin.
  • Open enrollment 2015 will close on February 15th, 2015.

Make sure that you do not miss any of these crucial deadlines. Do not take the risk of being under or uninsured for any amount of time. You will surely regret it when you are in the face of a health care-related emergency!

The best way to navigate the 2015 Marketplace is to first contact a Certified Covered California Broker. These individuals have the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you through the complex, and often confusing world of health care. They can dispense quality advice that will make choosing the right plan for you much easier. Certified Covered California Brokers can even find ways to save you money! Please contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services to speak with a licensed agent today!

You Have Enrolled In A Plan, But Want To Switch…What Now?

Being a first-time health care policy owner can be stressful, and confusing! What happens if you select a health plan, and then decide that you wish to change it? Are you out of luck, or is there something you can do? We are here to help answer your questions like these! Here are a few pieces of enlightening health care information:

  • You are allowed to change your plan, as long as it falls within the open enrollment window, which spans from November 15th, 2014 to February 15th, 2015.
  • There may be an overlap period where you will live with your previously selected health care plan before your second choice plan kicks in. It is smart to discuss this time period with an insurance agent who specializes in health care.
  • To change your health plan during the open enrollment period, your first step should be to log into your online marketplace account.
  • Next, you should navigate through the “My Plans and Programs” section, to the “End/Terminate All Coverage” tab. Click “Eligibility & Appeals”, then “Continue to Enrollment” where you are welcome to compare and contrast different health plans that you are eligible for.
  • Pay attention to the start date of your policy once you reach a decision.
  • If you have troubles with the process, you should get in contact with one of our certified Covered California agents here at Bernardini & Donovan’s Insurance Services to help you find the right plan for you!

We hope this information has eased your mind if you think you may want to change your plan before the enrollment period is over. If you have health care questions that need answers, please get in touch with the skilled insurance agents at Bernadini & Donovan Insurance, located in Redlands! We are an experienced insurance agency who cannot wait to fulfill all of your healthcare needs!

3 Advantages Of Teaming Up With A Health Insurance Agent!

With November on our tails, we will soon be consumed with thoughts of health coverage. The time has come to sit down, and critically evaluate our current and future health care needs. Finding the right coverage is an art of sorts. You want to make sure you can afford the plan, but that the plan will do its job in keeping you adequately covered. In order to master this art, you will need to team up with a health insurance agent. Here are just a few of the many reasons why this is a good idea:

  • The open enrollment process is only a couple of years old. While many adjustments have been made to make online enrollment less challenging, it is not a guarantee that all individuals will not run into technical difficulties. A certified Covered California agent here at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services is well versed in the process, and can help you overcome any speed bumps you may encounter.
  • Many individuals take less than 15 minutes to evaluate their options for a plan, and settle before thoroughly understanding how their decision could affect their life. An agent will not let you make this hasty, and unwise decision.
  • Health insurance agents have years of experience with health care, and are familiar with scenarios where an individual’s coverage was not enough. They can use this expertise to guide you in the right direction, and ensure you are not taking any risks.

You need a certified and experienced insurance agent to guide you through the process. Their assistance can help you to avoid overpaying for your plan, or having to settle for less coverage than you need. Never sacrifice coverage for price when collaborating with an agent! Please reach out to the experienced insurance professionals at Bernadini & Donovan Insurance for any assistance you may need.

Open Enrollment 2015: Where To Start?

With open enrollment 2015 right around the corner, you may be stressed out, especially if this is your first time applying for health coverage. However, there is no need to fret! We are here to break down the process and help you understand the often-confusing subject of health care. Here are a few useful tidbits of information to help ease your mind:

  • The only way to apply for health care before November 15th is to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
  • Your current health coverage will end on December 31st of 2014 if it was purchased prior to November 15th, 2014.
  • To apply online for health coverage, you will first need to make an account. Be prepared with a username and password that are secure, and memorable.
  • You can begin filling out your application on the 15th of November.
  • Be prepared to answer questions regarding your income, current health plan, how many individuals are in your household, and more.
  • After your application has been filed, you will be presented with the coverage options that you are eligible to take advantage of.
  • Once you have evaluated your options, you should select the plan that best suits your lifestyle.
  • Your next and last step is to enroll in the plan of your choice, and to pay your first premium before the payment is overdue.
  • Get in touch with one of one of our certified Covered California agents here at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services to help you through the process!

We hope that these tips have proven useful to you! For any additional answers to your health insurance questions, contact the insurance professionals at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services, located in Redlands! We cannot wait to assist you, today!

 

How To Prep For Open Enrollment 2015!

Before we know it, November will be nipping at our heels! Along with November comes Open Enrollment 2015! It is time to start thinking about your health insurance needs. During this time, you have the opportunity to adjust your current health insurance policy, or purchase a new one altogether. Being prepared for open enrollment now, will lead to less stress headaches come November. Here are a few things to think about before next month rolls around:

  • Be prepared to have the addresses for every individual that will be covered under your policy.
  • You will need to have your social security number on hand.
  • If you are a legal immigrant, you should have your immigration documents handy.
  • Be prepared with your pay stubs or W-2 forms to verify your employment and income status.
  • Try to find an estimate of your household income for the last year.
  • Be equipped with the insurance policy of your existing health coverage.
  • If you or anyone in your household is eligible for an employer-sponsored health plan, you should complete the employer coverage tool prior to open enrollment.
  • Make sure you know the start and end dates for open enrollment. The first day is November 15th, 2014 and open enrollment ends on February 15th, 2015. Make sure you do not miss any of the deadlines!
  • Contact your certified Covered California agent at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance!

If you still have questions about the open enrollment process, or your current health insurance, please contact the trusted agents at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance! We are located in Redlands, California, and are prepared to find you a comprehensive health plan that meets all of your needs. As healthcare continues to increase in price, so does your need for an advocate in the health insurance world. Let us be your advocate, and contact us, today!

Using an Insurance Broker to Successfully Maneuver the Open Enrollment Period

If you are one of the many Americans who missed Obamacare’s first open enrollment period, it is important that you start preparing so that you can be ready when the second open enrollment period arrives. If you miss this second period, you will be forced to pay a penalty for each month that you do not have health insurance. Unless you qualify for the special enrollment period, you could be paying hefty penalties for several months until the third open enrollment period arrives.

The second Covered California open enrollment period starts on November 15, 2014 and will end on February 15, 2015. During this time, you must obtain health insurance in order to avoid the penalty. During the weeks leading up to the second open enrollment period, you will want to gather all important documents such as birth certificates, proof of citizenship, etc. If you find the market exchange confusing, an insurance broker can guide you through this complicated process.

We understand how confusing the laws and regulations surrounding Obamacare can be, especially if you have never purchased health insurance before. Many individuals who are inexperienced in purchasing health insurance benefit immensely by using a broker. Insurance brokers such as the experienced brokers at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services guide you through each step of the health insurance process, free of charge. Our experience makes us the perfect candidates to sit down and compare varying plans and policies with you, to ensure that you obtain the most affordable policy possible.

Contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services in Redlands for all of your California health insurance needs. We are extremely knowledgeable in all regulations and laws surrounding the Affordable Care Act, which is why we are the perfect team to guide you in your health insurance endeavors. We can help ensure that your health insurance complies will all new rules and regulations.

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Covered California: FAQs about Special Enrollment Period

As a complex manner, the rules and regulations of Covered California often confuse people. If you have recently experienced a life changing event and believe you are qualified for the Special Enrollment Period, you may have a few questions about what the next step is. As Certified Covered California Agents, the insurance experts at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services can guide you through the process and ease your worries.

  • After your qualifying life event occurs, you have 60 days to enroll in Covered California through the Special Enrollment Period. If you wait until after the 60 day period, you will be required to wait until the next open enrollment period.
  • Most qualifying life events make you eligible to enroll online. During this process, many recommend that you meet with a Certified Covered California Agent, such as with the Bernardini & Donovan team, so that you can determine if your qualifying life event allows you to enroll online.
  • Inform yourself of any gaps in coverage. This may occur if you finish your existing health insurance plan before your new health insurance coverage begins.
  • The date your health insurance coverage will begin depends on the date you enroll. If you enroll during the first fifteen days of any given month, your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month. If you enroll during the second half of any given month, your coverage will begin on the first of the second following month.

The insurance experts at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services are Certified Covered California Agents who can help you through the process, for FREE. We can answer any and all of your questions about whether you qualify for the Special Enrollment Period. Although we are located in Redlands, we serve all residents within our California family. Contact us today and we can help you determine when the best time to enroll your family in Covered California would be.

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