Frequently Asked Insurance Questions
Navigating the insurance Marketplace can certainly be overwhelming. Below we have provided some of our frequesntly asked questions where you'll find information to help you with your insurance choices. Feel free to contact us any time for assistance.
What does MEC stand for?
Minimal Essential Coverage - That would be any insurance plan that meets the Affordable Care Act requirement for health coverage.
What are Essential Health Benefits?
Essential Health Benefits are services in the following categories:
Ambulatory Patient Services | Hospitalization | Mental Health & Substance Use to include Behavioral Health Treatment | Rehabilitative & Habilitative Services & Devices | Laboratory Services | Emergency Services | Maternity & Newborn Care | Prescription Drugs | Preventative Wellness Services | Chronic Disease Management | Pediatric Services which may include pediatric oral care
What is Open Enrollment
Open enrollment begins Nov 1 and runds through Dec 1th for the Affordable Care Act and for Medicare it runs Oct 15th through December 7th annually.
When will my coverage begin?
Most plans take effect the first day of the folling month after enrollment. There are some plans that will take effect next day.
Who can apply for Marketplace coverage?
Eligability for Marketplace enrollment requires that a person *Lives in the United States *Be a US citizen or national (or be lawfully present - Learn about eligible immigration status here*A person cannot be incarcerated *If you are a recipient of Medicare coverage, you are NOT eligible for Marketplace health or dental insurance Learn more about Medicare and the Marketplace here
Can I enroll in coverage outside of the open enrollment period?
Outside of the open enrollment period you have several health insurance options available. They are a follows: You may be eligible if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period which means you have lost your job based coverage, you got married, you have a baby, adopt a baby, you move or you have other qualifying life changes. **If you are eligible for an SEP, you have a 60 day window following the event to enroll in a plan. If you miss that window, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll in a plan. You can also apply for Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time and if you're eligible, you can enroll immediately. There are also short term major medical plans that offer duration periods of 30 days to 3 years coverage depending on your needs and location.