September 11, 2013
Based on a concerning number of conversations we've had with our friends and colleagues, it's clear that there is still a frightening amount of confusion regarding how drastically the health care system is going to change. What was even more surprising, was that the majority of those we speak to have no idea when registration begins for subsidized health insurance. The 2014 date is pretty clear in their minds, thanks to the inundation of mainstream media coverage, though few seem to realize that the IL health insurance exchange opens on October 1st.
Make no mistake, people have been waiting for this for a very long time. Couple that with the fact that the entire systems is essentially brand new to 100% of those involved, and you can see why it's so important to be proactive about this.
Foreseeable Health Insurance Exchange Issues
At some point in the not-so-distant future, you are going to find yourself starring at a computer screen; either cursing the person who put the system together, or being absolutely clueless as to where to go, which boxes to select, what information to enter, understanding the jargon and so on. Though it has been pitched as something akin to a travel site, virtually every healthcare professional who has monitored its progress, agrees that it is a far cry from simplistic.
Even to an experienced health insurance broker, we were amazed at some of the information people were expected to know. If you've always had health insurance through your employer or a spouse's policy, and have never had to deal with complex insurance forms, you might be in for a bit of a shock. It's nothing like the HMO option or PPO option you've had to debate over in the past, and we're confident that many people are going to share our opinions once they've had a chance to go through them.
Let a Health Insurance Broker Help
Very few people seem to realize that health insurance brokers do not charge for their service, and there has never been a better time to take one up on it. Here at our Chicago health insurance agency, we've been preparing for the Affordable Care Act, for close to two years now, and we know it inside/out. For the past few months we've been getting the word out to our own clients, encouraging them to call us before they get stuck halfway through online enrollment forms.
By looking at the type of policy you had prior to Obamacare, a health insurance agent can steer you in the right direction from the start, saving you immeasurable time and mental anguish. Moreover, if this is your first time buying health insurance on your own, they can explain any and all key terms to you, while offering suggestions on deductibles, plan types, out-of-pocket maximums, and dependent coverage, based on your true needs. The last thing you want to do is end up stuck in a plan that looks good on the screen, but doesn’t cover what you need covered, or has a deductible that you won’t possibly reach in a year.
Working with a qualified agent can spare you all of this, while answering your questions and guiding you through the entire process… all at no extra charge to you. Honestly, we're sometime shocked that more people don't work with their local brokers.
Need IL Health Insurance Exchange Answers?
If you're in Illinois or the Chicago area and would like to speak with an agent who specializes in Affordable Care coverage, or to learn more about signing up on the IL health insurance exchange, we invite you to call Premier today at 800-369-0287. Our agents have been extensively trained on the Affordable Care Act and health insurance exchange plans, and can help you in making the best, and proper, decision the first time.