(This post is an excerpt from my upcoming guide, Obamacare? Marketplace? The Exchange?: A Comprehensive Guide)
I did not initially plan for this section when outlining the Comprehensive Guide; however, a recent email from a major insurance carrier highlighted its necessity. The carrier shared a link to their "post-enrollment website" with agents and brokers due to a significant influx of calls to their call centers from individuals who enrolled during the Health Insurance Marketplace® Open Enrollment period and were uncertain about the next steps. It remains unclear whether no instructions were provided or if they were simply misunderstood.
I have compiled links to post-enrollment information and resources from several leading insurance carriers offering products in the Marketplace. This information is vital, as making the first monthly premium payment after enrollment is essential for the policy to take effect. I hope this will serve as a helpful resource for those seeking guidance.
If your carrier is not listed here, try searching Google for “[your insurance company name] after enrollment guide,” and you should find relevant information. Some carriers provide an enrollment "kit," while others may include post-enrollment instructions on their website and send out mail. However, most require you to create and/or log into your Member Portal on the insurance company’s website to access personalized information specific to you and your plan. Convenient plan and provider information available through Member Portals.
Convenient plan and provider information available through Member Portals
Member Portals are invaluable resources and an excellent starting point for any inquiries or tasks related to your insurance company. At the very least, they save you the time associated with waiting on hold to contact your insurance carrier by phone. (Phone access remains available; however, most common issues and questions are conveniently resolved online.)
Why I love online access/Member Portals
One of the key advantages of Member Portals is the ability to utilize search functions to locate in-network healthcare facilities and providers. They provide current information tailored to your specific plan, indicating available options in your local area. Additionally, they enable you to modify your search area for care while traveling. It is advisable to verify a provider, facility, treatment, or medication prior to use to ensure it falls within your network and aligns with your anticipated costs according to your cost-sharing plan. While opting for an out-of-network provider may occasionally be necessary, be aware that it often incurs higher expenses compared to in-network alternatives.
Another significant benefit of Member Portals and online services is the ease of access outside of regular business hours. We understand that accidents and health issues can arise at any time, and it is often concerning when these situations occur after office hours. Member Portals greatly alleviate this concern, offering multiple contact methods available at any time and ensuring responses are provided via your preferred mode of communication (phone, email, text, video call, etc. ). Initially, I was hesitant to handle many tasks online as it became more standard, but I have experienced significantly improved and more efficient results compared to past interactions over the phone, particularly with larger insurance carriers.
In conclusion: Where to turn if you still have questions
I was unable to link to all carriers, as those offering Marketplace plans differ by state; however, here are some of the more prominent names. As mentioned previously, if your insurance carrier is not on this list, a simple Google search of the company name followed by “after enrollment” or “online access for members” will guide you in the right direction. If that does not yield results, logging into your Marketplace account should provide further assistance. Additionally, I am available, as are local agents and brokers in your area.
Many individuals believe that agents and brokers only assist with enrollment; however, we are available to support you year-round. I will not charge for my services and am happy to assist at any time, regardless of whether your policy was obtained through me. My goal is to help, a sentiment that I believe most ethical agents and brokers share.
With that being said, here are the links. I hope this compilation proves useful to anyone in need. I was surprised by the effort required to locate some of these, as they should ideally be the first information presented to new members visiting their carrier’s site for the first time. I hope it saves you time, and I wish everyone success with their new coverage! Thank you for learning with me!
Things to do while waiting for your ID card to arrive, per the insurers:
- Set up your online account.
- Choose your Primary Care Provider (PCP)
- Schedule preventive services (almost all of these are covered at 100% even before you reach your deductible, meaning you pay nothing out-of-pocket, as long as you receive care from an in-network provider.)
- Pay your first premium and set up autopay, if desired
- Download their mobile app (if available)
- Look up your prescription medicines and learn about your options for how to fill them. (Mail order or local pharmacy, and which local pharmacies are in-network for you)
- Upload any additional documentation to support your application (if required)
Links to Post-Enrollment Resources from Top Marketplace Insurance Carriers: (Texas 2024/2025)
I hope you’ve enjoyed this excerpt from the Obamacare? Marketplace? The Exchange?: A Comprehensive Guide ebook that will be out soon. Keep watching the blog because I’ll be releasing more sneak peeks like this while I’m finishing up getting it ready to publish.
Thank you for your interest and for your time!
Health Insurance Marketplace® is a registered service mark of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
