open enrollment | Bernardini & Donovan

June 30, 2014September 8, 2016

Covered California: Annual Enrollment Dates

As you may already know, the initial open enrollment period ended for Covered California on March 15, 2014. However, if you missed those dates you will have another opportunity to enroll. Each year, Covered California’s annual open enrollment period will begin on October 15^th until December 7^th. Those who enroll during that period will receive health insurance coverage beginning on the first of the new year.

As previously mentioned, when enrollment selection is received in between October 15^th and December 7^th, your health care coverage will begin on January 1^st of the upcoming year. When you enroll during the first half of any month, the 1^st until the 15^th, your health insurance coverage will begin on the first day of the following month. If you enroll during the second half of any given month, 16^th through the 31^st, your health insurance coverage will begin on the first day of the second following month.

There is a Special Enrollment Period for those who undergo a qualifying life event such as beginning an marriage or a domestic partnership, adopting a child, receive a child into foster care or placing a child in adoption or in a foster home, change in permanent residence, loss of health coverage, if you are a member of an American Indian or Alaska Native tribe recognized by the federal government, if you become a citizen, if your income changes, along a few other life changing events.

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.

June 23, 2014September 8, 2016

COBRA Participants Special-Enrollment Period

Recent health care reform has experienced a few bumps in the road during its establishment but Covered California is finally in full swing. Until July 15^th, Covered California will be offering a limited-time, special-enrollment period for those currently enrolled with COBRA medical insurance.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) created Covered California, which is designed to guide California individuals and families towards the path of affordable health insurance coverage. After the establishment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, over 1.4 million California residents have begun receiving health coverage through Covered California.

There are a variety of insurance coverage options under Covered California that you must choose from. If you are trying to decide whether or not to continue with your COBRA or obtain a Covered California plan, it is best to consider your options. As a qualified individual for premium tax credits, the Covered California route could potentially cost you less each month than your existing COBRA plan.

Before adopting a Covered California plan, you may also want to check with the available doctor and hospital networks you will have access to. Most importantly, do the sufficient research. You will want to compare and contrast the deductibles and co-pays of both your existing COBRA plan and the plans offered by Covered California. If you choose to drop your current plan at COBRA, you must do so before July 15^th. It is important to note that if you are unhappy with your Covered California plan after dropping your COBRA plan, you cannot return to your previous plan.

The insurance experts at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services are Certified Covered California Agents who can help you through the process, for FREE. Although we are located in Redlands, we serve all residents within our California family. Contact us today and we can help you determine whether or not to stay with your existing COBRA plan or adopt a Covered California plan.

April 11, 2014September 8, 2016

Open Enrollment: The Next Round

The open enrollment period for 2014 is almost over; after March 31st, any new policy (or additions to your present coverage) will have to wait for the next open enrollment period. But when, precisely, will that be?

For the general public, coverage starting in 2015 can be shopped for on the marketplace starting in late autumn. Though an exact date has yet to be officially determined, at present the proposed window is November 15th 2014 through January 15th 2015.

There are a few notable exceptions; certain life events (such as a change in your family size, losing your job, moving to a new state, or large changes to your income) can qualify you for a special enrollment period. Usually this period is within sixty days of your qualifying life event.

Of course, the best way to determine your eligibility (and the best policy for you) is to discuss your situation with an insurance professional. For more information about the Affordable Care Act or health insurance in California, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance.

February 19, 2014September 8, 2016

How to get health insurance outside of open enrollment periods

Putting aside all the seemingly continuing problems with the new health insurance Marketplace websites, people are now wondering if they can still get health coverage beyond the government open enrollment periods. It is possible if you have a "qualifying event" that create special enrollment conditions.

Qualifying Life Events

The following events are "triggers" that may make you eligible to purchase health insurance even after enrollment periods end. According to HealthCare.gov, these events generate a "special enrollment period."

You get married.
You have a new birth or adopt a child.
You move to a new state offering different health insurance options than those you had previously.
You lose former health coverage, other than your voluntary cancellation or for non-payment of premiums.
You’re already enrolled, but your income changes or other life events affect your eligibility for tax credits or government assistance to pay premiums.

Special Enrollment Periods

When you have one of these events, you can enroll in a health plan for up to 60 days following the qualifying event. In 2014, open enrollment ends on March 31. After that date, you’ll need to have one of these events to enroll without penalty.

For more information, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance, your California individual and group health insurance experts. Their professionals will answer your questions and you’ll get the advice you need to proceed.

Tag: open enrollment

Covered California: Annual Enrollment Dates

COBRA Participants Special-Enrollment Period

Open Enrollment: The Next Round

How to get health insurance outside of open enrollment periods

let Bernardini & Donovan find the right plan for you

let Bernardini & Donovan find the right plan for you

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