Covered California: Navigating your 2018 Obamacare plan

Oct. 30--Covered California's 2018 open enrollment begins Wednesday and, unlike the Dec. 15 deadline imposed by Healthcare.gov, the federal Obamacare marketplace, California's exchange will extend the sign-up period until Jan. 31.

If you want your plan to kick in Jan. 1, you must purchase a plan by Dec. 15. For a Feb. 1 start date, you must buy a plan by Jan. 15. Any plan purchased after that date will become effective March 1.

If you don't choose a plan by mid-November, insurers will re-enroll current policyholders in their current plan. But you can change it before the end of open enrollment.

SOME TIPS FROM THE PROS

Bay Area insurance agents Kelley Filice Jensen and Jonathan Greer offer these tips:

Shop early. Don't wait until the last minute because the whole process can take longer than you think.

Check your mailbox. Your health insurance company may be sending you updates and notices that you should consider before enrolling in your plan.

Ask yourself: How much money did you spend on medical care this year? If you didn't spend a lot, you might consider a Bronze-level plan, which has the lowest premium but charges the highest out-of-pocket costs for health care.

To save money, shop and compare different plans on the exchange -- either a different metal tier or another insurer. Some changes in 2018 rates may work in your favor.

If you're changing plans but want to ensure you keep your doctors, call your physicians' billing offices -- not the front office -- to confirm if your new plan will be accepted.

Seek free help from certified health insurance agents or enrollment "navigators."

For more information, go to: www.coveredca.com

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