Open enrollment is now underway for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act Plans, also known as Obamacare. Christine O’Brien, executive director of United Health Care of Louisiana, says when considering coverage keep in mind more than just the cost of a plan. “But, also compare what the deductible is, what the copays, the coinsurance, their out-of-pocket maximum, look at the network to make sure you doctor is in the network,” said O’Brien.
Open enrollment continues through January 15 and more information can be found at Healthcare.gov.
O’Brien says these healthcare exchanges are designed for those who can’t get coverage under traditional routes. She says those include “people who are not insured, who are not able to obtain insurance through an employer or through Medicare or Medicaid.”
The Louisiana Department of Insurance says rates for coverage are up an average of four-point-nine percent.
O’Brien says through the American Rescue Plan that was created as a result of COVID, seekers of insurance for 2022 on the exchanges may find help with paying their premiums. “You know if you think you can’t afford health insurance, there may be subsidies available for you to be able to afford the coverage through the exchange,” said O’Brien.
Five health insurance issuers are offering individual marketplace plans for 2022: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Louisiana, Vantage Health Plans, United Healthcare, Christus Health Plan of Louisiana and Louisiana Healthcare Connections (also known as AmBetter).
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