This is the third of a series of posts we will release between now and November 15, when the open enrollment for 2015 individual health exchange plan commences. We will keep you up-to-date as we receive further information from various sources.
Through this post, we would like to prepare you for open enrollment by providing you with a brief introduction to all five carriers that will be offering individual medical insurance through the Marketplace Exchange.
Anthem, is the largest carrier being offered through the Marketplace Exchange, and the only carrier offered this past year (2014). Their plans will continue to use the Pathway Network, though there have been some notable changes to that network. Elliot Hospital and Littleton Hospital have left; though 5 others have joined, including: Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, Cottage Hospital, Southern NH Medical Center, Valley Regional Hospital, and Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital. Anthem will be offering four bronze plans, three silver plans, two gold plans and one catastrophic option.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, is a non-profit insurance company currently selling group plans in NH but, until 2015, has not been in the individual market in NH. They are offering two different plan networks on the Marketplace Exchange. The HMO Hospital Network includes all 26 NH hospitals. The Elevate Health Hospital Network is a partnership Harvard Pilgrim has with Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Elliott. This is a lower cost plan geared to individuals living in the southern NH counties and includes 12 NH hospitals. Harvard Pilgrim will be offering two bronze plans, four silver plans, and two gold plans.
Assurant Health, is another national carrier. They are currently selling individual insurance plans in NH, though 2015 will be the first year on the Marketplace Exchange. Assurant has often been considered the “Lexus” plan of individual plans in NH. They are high priced, but their plans offer a nationwide PPO plan through the Aetna Signature Network. This kind of a plan is especially attractive to business travelers, “snowbirds”, really anyone who needs access to out-of-state or specialized providers (like those at the Lahey Clinic or Boston and Florida as examples). Assurant will be offering a total of 6 plans through the Marketplace Exchange.
Minuteman Health, is a co-op out of Massachusetts. They will be available in all NH counties except Cheshire. Minuteman’s HMO network includes 13 of 26 NH hospitals. They will also allow the individual market access to the Lahey systems & St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, MA. Minuteman will be offering four bronze plans, two silver plans, one gold plan and one catastrophic option.
Maine Community Health, is a co-op of out Maine. Maine Community Health originally planned to sell only in Rockingham, Strafford, Carroll and Coos counties. The co-op has since included all 26 NH hospitals in their network so they now will be statewide. This co-op likes to be known for its low premium rates and it’s Chronic Illness Support Program, which they believe are keeping their members healthy and reducing costs. Maine Community Health will be offering three bronze plans, five silver plans, one gold and one catastrophic.
As a reminder, the Open Enrollment Period will run from 11/15/14 to 2/15/15 and the enrollment dates are as follows:
- Enrollment dates 11/15/14 to 12/15/14 the policy would be effective January 1, 2015
- Enrollment Dates 12/16/14 to 1/15/15 the policy would be effective February 1, 2015
- Enrollment date 1/16/15 to 2/15/15 the policy would be effective March 1, 2015.
Heathcare.gov is now live, and you can look at quotes now by visiting there. You cannot apply for coverage however until 11/15/2014. If you do apply yourself, please indicate you are working through a broker and include my name-Raymond White and my broker code 68433 so that we can assist you if there are any issues. Send us an email if you do this so we can track everything.
If you would like to make changes to your present individual health plan or if you currently do not have health coverage then we encourage you to give us a call. We cannot emphasize enough the importance that you work through professional brokers like ourselves. Last year was extremely difficult, and with all of the new carriers this year, it makes no sense to try to do this on your own. We urge you to work through our professional staff and keep us informed of your activity regarding choosing a health plan.
If you have any questions about any of this information please call our office. You are important to us, and we will do our best to assist you in this ever changing environment. Please feel free to share this information with friends, family, co-workers, or anyone you feel would benefit from it.