More from my social media series used to correct misconceptions about the ACA Insurance Marketplace.
I'm adding the last posts from the DID YOU KNOW? socials series and I hope you'll stick around and check out what's coming next! On January 20, I will launch another socials series, this time with the goal of answering some of the most Google searched questions about the Affordable Care Act, The Marketplace, financial assistance, types of plans, premiums/copays/deductibles, and everything that goes along with it.
Got questions? Email Jensurance to get in on the new Q&A social media series
I've also opened it up to take questions from friends and followers, and I'd love to hear your questions, too. If you email me a question, I'll research it and post the answer first on my social media (Facebook and Instagram), and then here in a new blog recapping the socials posts. There's no question too big or too small and I'm pretty sure that, whatever it is, someone else is wondering the same thing.
Thank you for checking out my blog and learning along with me!
I've really enjoyed this series and I hope you did, too. The only difference in this vs. Part 1 is that I won't be posting the pictures of the infographics with the text on this page. It was causing some technical headaches so I'll be showcasing those infographics in a gallery format. I will link that gallery page here as soon as it's up and running smoothly. Thanks again! Let's get to the posts!
DID YOU KNOW? It isn’t necessary to wait until Open Enrollment each year to get new insurance if your circumstances change.
Consumers may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if they (or anyone in their household who is seeking coverage) lose qualifying health coverage.
Other reasons someone may qualify for a SEP include:
- Marriage
- Moving
- Having/adopting a child
- Leaving incarceration
- Many more
View full list of qualifying events at HealthCare.gov
SOURCE: Getting health coverage outside Open Enrollment | HealthCare.gov
DATE: Sunday January 12, 2025
DID YOU KNOW? Many incorrectly believe that a plan with the cheapest monthly premium is the best value for them.
In fact, while affordability is important, focusing solely on price can backfire.
Cheaper plans often have higher deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, meaning you'll pay more out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Consider your overall health needs and risk tolerance when choosing a plan.
SOURCE: Health insurance myths debunked: Separating fact from fiction | HealthBird
DATE: Monday January 13, 2025
DID YOU KNOW? There’s a common misconception that insurance companies try to avoid paying claims.
- In fact, while navigating claims can feel frustrating, reputable health insurance companies have a legal obligation to process claims fairly and efficiently.
- Familiarize yourself with your plan's coverage details and keep clear documentation to ensure a smoother claims process.
- If you're working with an agent/broker, they can track the process and can advocate on your behalf.
SOURCE: Health insurance myths you might have heard | Blue Cross NC
DATE: Tuesday January 14, 2025
DID YOU KNOW? Not all plan enrollments made during Open Enrollment will have a plan effective date of January 1.
Note the following important deadlines:
- Nov. 1: Open Enrollment starts - first day to enroll in, renew, or change health plans through the Marketplace for the coming year. Coverage can start as soon as Jan. 1.
- Jan. 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans by Dec. 15 and pay their first premium.
- Jan. 15: Open Enrollment ends - last day to enroll in or change Marketplace health plans for the year. After this date, consumers can enroll in or change plans only if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
- Feb. 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 and pay their first premium.
SOURCE: 2024 Truths and Myths
DATE: Wednesday January 15, 2025
DID YOU KNOW? Some consumers mistakenly assume they can be eligible for both Medicaid/CHIP and Marketplace coverage with APTC/CSRs.
In fact, consumers who are determined eligible for, or are enrolled in, coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that counts as qualifying health coverage (AKA minimum essential coverage, or MEC) are ineligible for advance payments of the premium tax credit (APTC), and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) to help pay for the cost of their Marketplace coverage premium and covered services.
SOURCE: 2024 Truths and Myths
DATE: Thursday January 16, 2025
DID YOU KNOW? These are the basic rules re: who is included in your “household” for purposes of applying for Marketplace financial assistance:
- Include spouse if you’re legally married.
- Include anyone you will claim as a tax dependent for the year you want coverage
- If you WON’T claim them as a dependent, DON’T include them.
- Include your spouse and tax dependents even if they DON’T need health coverage.
See the limited exceptions to these basic rules in the chart available at Who’s included in your household | HealthCare.gov
For more about who you can claim as a tax dependent, see this from the IRS Publication 501 (2024), Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information | Internal Revenue Service
SOURCE: Who’s included in your household | HealthCare.gov
DATE: Friday January 17, 2025
DID YOU KNOW? Four in ten incorrectly think the ACA cut Medicare benefits.
However, while the ACA has reduced growth in payments to providers and to private health plans that participate in the Medicare Advantage program, it did not cut benefits for seniors enrolled in the traditional Medicare program.
SOURCE: Data Note: 5 Misconceptions Surrounding the ACA | KFF
DATE: Saturday January 18, 2025
DID YOU KNOW? It’s important (and EASY) to update your Marketplace application to make corrections, additions, or to remove information.
- Log into your HealthCare.gov account and choose the application you want to update.
- Click “Report a Life Change” on the left-hand menu.
- Read through the list of changes and select “Report a Life Change.”
- Select the kind of change you want to report.
- Navigate through your application and report any changes to income, household members, contact information, etc.
- When finished, you’ll get new eligibility results re: your options to change plans (if applicable).
SOURCE: https://www.healthcare.gov/reporting-changes/how-to-report-changes/
DATE: Sunday January 19, 2025