During the fall is when most people must make decisions about health care
for the coming year. First, decide where your health insurance is coming
from — for example is it provided through your employer, will you buy
it on your own or are you eligible for Medicare? Then, focus on information
specific to your situation. You can use our annual health insurance check-up
table for tips on deadlines and important questions to ask. Most American
access health in one of three ways.
Employer-Sponsored. If you're already covered by an employer-sponsored
plan, pay close attention to your enrollment options. Premiums and coverage
limits may have changed. If you're changing jobs, you may be subject to a
probationary period, up to 90 days, during which you are not eligible for
group coverage. If you lost coverage from a previous employer, you typically
have 60 days to enroll in private individual insurance through a Special
Enrollment Period.
Public Healthcare Programs. Medicare and Medicaid are government programs
that help pay for health care. Medicaid is jointly funded by federal and state
governments and eligibility is means-based. For more information, contact the
Louisiana Department of Health.
Medicare is a federally funded program available to residents age 65 or older.
People younger than 65 also may be eligible for Medicare if they are disabled.
Louisiana Department of Insurance counselors can help you understand plans and
options. For more information, contact our Senior Health Insurance Information
Program (SHIIP) at www.ldi.la.gov/shiip.
Individually Purchased Health Insurance. Open enrollment for health
insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace runs November 1 to
December 15. Here are a few things to keep in mind during open enrollment:
- 2018 plans may be different from those offered last year.
- Review the doctors and other medical providers in a plan's network
(more on that below).
- You must elect coverage by December 15, 2017 or you may have to wait
until next year or for a special enrollment period.
You can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life change such as
marriage, having a baby or losing other coverage. If you choose a plan during
the open enrollment period, it will begin January 1, 2018. The Louisiana
Department of insurance encourages you to contact an agent for assistance if
you have questions or don't know how to determine which health plan is right
for you. You may also be able to receive free help from a Health Navigator.