Open-Enrollment Begins November 1st and ends January 31st

Open enrollment is the one time during the year when most Californians who need insurance cannot be denied by a health plan and when millions can get subsidized health insurance for the upcoming year.

 

In 2010, the federal government enacted the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, sometimes called Health Care Reform, sometimes called Obamacare, to increase the number of Americans with insurance and reduce the cost of health insurance.

 

The law provides financial assistance to help individuals and small business pay for health insurance. The Affordable Care Act also requires that the states set up a marketplace, or “exchange” to offer health insurance. California’s exchange is called Covered California. Hart Insurance Center is a Covered California Certified Insurance Agent serving El Centro, Imperial, Calexico, and Brawley.

 

The advantage of purchasing insurance from Covered California is that you can easily compare different plans. Also, Covered California is where buyers can use tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies from government programs to lower your health care costs.

 

Covered California also will help small businesses provide affordable health coverage to their employees. Through Covered California’s small business exchange, called “SHOP”, businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees will be able to purchase health insurance.

 

In late May Covered California announced plans and rates for individuals in Imperial and San Diego Counties. You can now download a copy of the health plans summary booklet with plans and rates here.

 

Employer Exchange Notice to Employees

 

For employers currently offering health insurance, the model notice can be found here: English | Spanish.

 

For employers not currently offering health coverage, the model notice can be found here: English | Spanish.