Open enrollment continues until Feb. 1

Open enrollment for the Affordability Care Act (ACA) or, as it is more popularly known, ObamaCare, continues until Feb. 1, 2016. But since we’ve passed Dec.15, any changes you want to make now will start Feb.1. That said, though, there are a few things I’ve learned that I’d like to pass on to you. The first, although it’s quite self-serving, don’t take this on by yourself. Find a qualified agent or broker to take it on for you. There are some real subtleties that can cause you to be required to call Covered CA, and unless you know the how and when of that experience, you can spend literally hours on hold. Friday morning I needed to call them and I got in at 13 seconds after their phone board opened, 8 a.m., and I was already 47 in the queue. My experience has shown that it takes between two and three minutes per call. I was nearly two hours on hold.

It often matters to a doctor, particularly one with patient loyalty, whether your health insurance plan came directly from the carrier—Anthem, Blue Shield, or one of the others—or was purchased from the carrier through Covered CA. Although I don’t know the specifics, there is more paperwork required when the doctor is paid by the carrier through Covered CA. Of course, the only way to get financial assistance with your premium is through Covered CA, so you may be forced to go that route. But if you’re not, you might want to deal directly with the carrier so that your choice of doctors is broader.

If you need any help, I’m here to give it. Not only do I spend hours on hold for my clients, but during open enrollment, I’m working seven days a week for them. Let me help if I can. Call me on my cell (949) 394-4525 or email me at [email protected]. Or visit my website http://www.billkritlow.com.

William Kritlow, Phone (661) 821-0262, CA Insurance License#0A93013

Stacy Segal Neuland, (714) 536-1812, CA Insurance License#0E45244