Three tips for navigating 2023 Marketplace open enrollment
Steve Smitherman, president of CareSource Indiana
I’m providing here an article written by Steve Smitherman, president of the nonprofit healthcare company CareSource Indiana because it contains important information that you might not be aware of. If you are aware, please forgive me. I’m trying not to assume anything about you, dear reader, and I have to go by my past experience. That is, when writing for NUVO, I met several artists who were not covered by health insurance, and who were unaware of the opportunities that the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) afforded them and their families. So I wrote an article titled “You too can Navigate a Safe Path to Healthcare” in 2017 about the opportunities that were available to get coverage not only by a variety of affordable healthcare plans under the Obamacare rubric, but also by the Healthy Indiana Plan, which is essentially Medicaid. If you are unsure of what plans you qualify for, a great place to start is by calling Aspin Health Navigators, which I can personally vouch for, as this organization has helped me immensely in choosing my own healthcare coverage. Smitherman’s article, I think, can also point you in the right direction. — D.G.
Read Smitherman’s article here:
Selecting a health insurance plan is an important decision as the coverage will support your health goals and specific needs over the course of the next year. Navigating the open enrollment period can be difficult, especially for individuals who have previously gone without insurance coverage or those who are currently covered under a rather limited plan. Researching plans, specifically determining where to begin, can be confusing; however, it is crucial you know you have options. CareSource, a nonprofit, multi-state health plan, wants to help individuals and families get access to find an affordable plan. Keep in mind that coverage through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace will begin on Jan. 1, 2023, and open enrollment for Marketplace will run from Nov. 1, 2022 through Jan. 15, 2023. In order to have coverage by Jan. 1, 2023, you must be enrolled by Dec. 15, 2022. Here are a few tips to consider for those who may want to enroll in Marketplace or are looking to adjust their benefits ahead of the coming year.
If you are new to or have never used Marketplace, you may be wondering about its background as well as when it is the best coverage choice. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established Marketplace to extend health insurance coverage to millions of uninsured Americans. There are a number of common scenarios that may make Marketplace the optimal choice for you. Perhaps you are self-employed, you have entered early retirement or you are unemployed at this time. Others might pursue Marketplace coverage because they can no longer remain on a guardian's plan, their employer does not offer insurance, or they recently moved to Indiana. In any case, it’s always important to look into all the available health plan options within your area as they can change from year to year.
Do your research as your plan can change.
As health care has shifted over the last several years due to the pandemic, we’ve witnessed a change in how many individuals view and prioritize their health coverage. There truly is a greater emphasis on individual research to locate your best fit. Not all insurers offer statewide coverage; therefore, consumers should begin their research by determining what providers are available within their specific areas.
CareSource is available to individuals living in all 92 counties in Indiana, and all individuals who live in a CareSource service area qualify for Marketplace if they don't already have employer coverage, Medicaid or Medicare coverage. An outstanding resource is www.healthcare.gov as this website allows you to identify which plans are available within your specific zip code. Once available providers are located, you should review insurance premiums and plan benefits, which can typically be found on each insurance company’s website. This is also an important time to check in on family members and make sure your loved ones enroll on time for the coverage that’s best for them.
Look closely at health and wellness benefits.
The last several years have helped us all renew focus on health, wellness and preventative care. Now more than ever, individuals are finding ways to stay healthy before they become sick or injured, like wellness tools and wearable fitness devices. These can help maintain wellness to prevent chronic disease. Look into the different wellness perks offered by Marketplace health insurers. At CareSource, we believe health insurance should help you stay healthy. That’s why there are no copays or coinsurance fees for defined preventive health services with our plans. CareSource also offers access to Active&Fit’s network of gyms, interactive tools, online educational classes and challenges to help members track or increase their fitness level.
Check for telehealth coverage if convenience continues to be important to you.
Telehealth has also become more frequently covered by insurance companies. Telehealth allows you to access licensed physicians who can consult, diagnose and prescribe medications by phone or video. However, even though telehealth can significantly expand access to care, some individuals may have difficulty accessing or be unable to access technology used for audio and video telehealth due to a variety of factors, including financial resources. You should research how the different insurers cover telehealth. Through CareSource’s Zero Cost Telehealth Partner Program, members have access to $0 copay telehealth office visits.
At CareSource, when it matters most, we got you. For more information on open enrollment and CareSource Marketplace plans, visit www.caresource.com/in/plans/marketplace/.
