ACA Open Enrollment Is Currently Underway

The annual open enrollment period for Americans who want to take advantage of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) have from now until December 15, 2019 to do so. Here is a link on what you need to know!!!

A couple of key issues:

That said, the market is beginning to show some signs of stability. Rates overall have fallen for the second year in a row. And most health insurers will be profitable this year. That in turn has brought new competitors.

People with household incomes below 400% of the federal poverty threshold — $49,960 for an individual and $103,000 for a family of four this year — are eligible for federal subsidies to offset or help offset the cost.

People with incomes below 200% of the threshold can get health plans at no or little cost.

Several insurers are entering new markets, resulting in more options for people in many parts of the state. But that means that some people may have to pay more if they want to remain with the same health insurer. This is because the subsidy is tied to the second-lowest cost plan in the so-called silver tier. When the cost of that plan drops, so does the subsidy.

And where to go to do your research and to sign up?

People can go to healthcare.gov to see what plans are available in their county; information on how the plans differ, such as deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses; and the estimated cost of a plan, including the cost after taking into account any subsidy.   

And some Wisconsin specific information:

People who buy health insurance on their own in Wisconsin will have more choices next year on the marketplaces set up through the Affordable Care Act, according to the state Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.

The increase is a sign that the market for health insurance sold directly to individuals and families is stabilizing after years of turmoil.

Five health insurers will sell health plans on the marketplace in Milwaukee County next year, up from three in 2017.

The biggest change is in Brown County.

In 2018, Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative was the only health insurer that sold health plans on the marketplace in Brown County. Next year, five health insurers will sell health plans on the marketplace.