It’s time once again for Americans who hold personal health insurance through the Affordable Care Act to update their policies. The annual open enrollment period will run from November 1 through January 15 this winter. Policyholders may add or change their policy throughout this time.
Although millions of Americans have chosen to sign up for ACA-compliant health insurance, the great majority of employed adults in the United States still get their insurance through an employer. In the event they lose their job, coverage is typically terminated at the same time.
Sometimes, it may be possible to maintain coverage for a month or two, depending on the policies of your employer and the insurance agency. However, most people in this situation will find themselves needing new insurance fast – and they need to know their options.
With high-profile layoffs in the news, where can Central Floridians turn?
Two Options for Short-Term Health Insurance in Central Florida
Short-term health insurance refers to any type of health insurance you plan to hold for a year or less. It needs to be flexible enough to meet your needs since most people seek out this kind of insurance after an unexpected change in their employment or health situation.
Luckily, you have options when it comes to short-term health insurance.
Most people in Central Florida will benefit from one of these two approaches:
1. Get an Affordable Care Act Insurance Plan
When you have a qualifying life event, such as moving to a new location or leaving a current job, you can apply for a special enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act. This allows you to review plans on the marketplace and get coverage in your area.
However, this process has some restrictions. You may be required to furnish evidence that you’ve lost a job. While documentation might be very easy to come by, it can take weeks for it to be evaluated. If you’re eager to get a new plan started right away, you might face delays with this option.
If you choose an ACA plan and later qualify for other insurance, you can discontinue your ACA plan and will not pay anything further. But you could end up paying more at tax time under ACA if your income is higher than what you estimated on the date when you signed up.
All in all, not everyone finds that an ACA plan is the right move for them.
2. Get a Short-Term Plan from a Local Health Insurance Broker
At Choice Health Insurance Brokers, we make it easy for you to compare insurance options in your area. Our team develops relationships with organizations of all kinds that provide health insurance. That not only includes large health insurance agencies, but nonprofits, industry associations, and many others.
Thousands of organizations offer health insurance to their members, but most don’t advertise this to the general public. With a local health insurance broker, you can rest assured you’re getting accurate, helpful information that will support you in making an informed decision.
With our dedicated team of local Central Florida professionals, you are never pressured to go one way or the other. We listen to your needs and give you insightful advice based on what will help you reach your goals. We have no sales quota: Everything we do is focused on helping ordinary folks like you.
Beware of “Catastrophic Plans” When You Need Short-Term Health Insurance
When looking for short-term health insurance, you might read about “catastrophic health insurance plans.” A catastrophic plan is a health insurance policy where monthly premium payments tend to be very low, but the amount you pay if you need care is higher.
These plans usually cover emergency room treatment and other serious medical issues that arise suddenly. They aren’t ideal for people who need to manage chronic conditions or who have other healthcare concerns. Only consider them for short-term health insurance if you are very healthy.
To be confident your short-term insurance matches your needs, work with a local health insurance broker.
Choice Health Insurance Brokers Is Here to Help With Long-Term and Short-Term Health Insurance
Choice Health Insurance Brokers will be glad to assist you in finding a short-term health insurance plan you can start and end any time without worrying about hidden costs and fees. You can use our services any time of year, and you qualify for a consultation no matter what your current health status is.
We know health insurance can be stressful, and we are here to make it easier for you.
Contact us to find out more or get started with your own short-term health insurance.