Latest Obamacare enrollment kicks off Friday

Oct. 30--HIGH POINT -- Don Hild's phone has buzzed him constantly this week, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Hild, the sales director of Blue Moon Benefits Group in High Point, has stayed occupied fielding calls from customers and would-be clients as the annual open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act prepares to kick off Friday. Last year, nearly 11.5 million Americans signed up for health insurance coverage through the program commonly referred to as Obamacare.

Hild said he and his associates have been busier than last year leading up to the start of open enrollment, in part because there are new health coverage carriers getting into the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

While new carriers increase options and create more competition, they offer divergent policies with widely different coverage and pricing. The new plans also are impacting the level of subsidies available to people based on their income.

"Some of the new plans have much lower premiums, thus lowering the subsidy. However, these lower premiums often cause more restrictions and less coverage, including prescriptions," Hild told The High Point Enterprise.

One ripple effect of the entry of new players into the marketplace locally involves the subsidy level, said Hild, a licensed health agent for more than 27 years.

The subsidy is based on a formula guided by the cost of the second-lowest priced Affordable Care Act Silver Plan in an area, he said.

"So when a new company comes in, they will often try to undercut the prices of the existing companies," Hild said. "When they do that, what happens is the subsidy literally goes down."

Hild said it's important for customers to carefully research plans and what's covered at what prices.

Consumers should be aware of the implications of health care plans now offered outside of the Affordable Care Act umbrella, said Bob Seehausen, senior vice president of business development and sales for Novant Health.

"It's also important to recognize that there are health insurance plans available off the marketplace, like short-term or association plans," Seehausen said. "These plans are not equivalent to the health insurance plans available for purchase on healthcare.gov. They may have fewer benefits or a number of exclusions."

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina office in High Point has received a steady stream of calls this week leading into open enrollment period, said Authorized Agent Mark Thacker.

The local Blue Cross Blue Shield office has received more calls from customers seeking to renew policies as opposed for first-time coverage, Thacker told The Enterprise.

"Once Nov. 1 hits, there will be more awareness for new customers as well," he said.

Here are some tips from Novant Health on what you should consider when enrolling in the Affordable Care Act:

--Do research on the best plan for you or your family, as options and coverages can change from year to year. Check to see which physician practices and medical centers are included in a plan.

--Check to see if you qualify for a subsidy to lower your premium based on your income.

--Be aware that all plans offered through the Affordable Care Act offer free coverage for vaccinations and health screenings. Preventative care services are provided to patients without the expense of a copayment or coinsurance.

pjohnson@hpenews.com -- 336-888-3528 -- @HPEpaul

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