Open enrollment for 2020 health plans on Connecticut’s insurance exchange is now underway. It’s the seventh enrollment period for the state’s marketplace, and despite a recent drop in the number of uninsured people, health officials are still trying to reach the nearly 187,000 residents who lack coverage.
Employees at Access Health CT, Connecticut’s exchange, have planned a series of fairs, community meetings and other strategies for getting the word out and fielding questions about the enrollment process. Hartford residents may have seen Access Health representatives in their neighborhoods last month, knocking on doors and talking to people about their options. The workers also will visit Bridgeport, Fairfield and Norwalk in the coming weeks.
Customers have 45 days to sign up for plans. Here are some common questions about open enrollment:
When is it?
The open enrollment period for 2020 health plans on the exchange begins today (Nov. 1) and runs through Dec. 15. The coverage will go into effect on Jan. 1.
Who is on the exchange?
Two carriers are selling individual policies on the state’s marketplace – Anthem Health Plans and ConnectiCare Benefits, Inc. Those insurers also sell small group plans on the exchange for employers with 50 or fewer workers. The carriers are offering 17 individual plans and 14 small group plans. The number of policies is unchanged from the previous year, though some of the individual plans were discontinued and some are new.
Are premiums going up or down next year?
That depends. People who receive federal subsidies – about half of those who buy coverage through Access Health – will see a decrease in their premiums. Most consumers enrolled in bronze-level plans who receive subsidies will see a $58-per-month drop in premiums; more than half of those in silver-level plans who get subsidies will see a $94-per-month decrease; and the majority of people in gold-level plans with subsidies will see an $85-per-month drop.
Consumers who are ineligible for subsidies and are enrolled in gold-level plans will see an average increase of $116 in their monthly premiums. Those enrolled in silver-level plans will face an average hike of $66 per month, and those with bronze policies will see an average $59 monthly increase, according to a report prepared by the actuarial firm Wakely. The report did not take into account co-payments, deductibles and other expenses borne by the consumer.
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Did the state approve rate hikes?
Yes. In July, Anthem asked for a 15.2% average increase on individual plans that cover about 27,300 people. The state insurance department approved a 6.5% hike for those policies.
ConnectiCare requested a 4.9% increase on individual plans that cover about 75,600 people. The insurance department signed off on a 2% average increase.
Anthem also had sought an average hike of 14.8% on small group plans on and off the exchange, while ConnectiCare asked for a 4.8% average increase for small group plans marketed through Access Health. The insurance department approved ConnectiCare’s full request, but signed off instead on a 14.3% increase for Anthem’s policies.
The carriers have cited several reasons for seeking the rate hikes, including rising medical costs, an aging insured population and the return of a federal tax.
How do I sign up?
Consumers can visit AccessHealthCT.com or call 855-805-4325.
The exchange has organized 30 enrollment fairs across the state through Dec. 15. A list of locations and times can be found here. The first is scheduled forSaturday at the Ferguson Library in Stamford (1 Public Library Plaza), from 10 am to 1 pm. The next is Monday at Illing Middle School in Manchester (227 Middle Turnpike East), from 5 to 8 pm.
Five enrollment centers also have opened: At 580 Cottage Grove Road in Bloomfield (9 am to 4 pm); 840 Main St. in East Hartford (9:30 am to 4:30 pm); 330 Market St. in Hartford (8:30 am to 3:30 pm); 1 Public Library Plaza in Stamford (10:30 am to 5:30 pm); and at 232 North Elm St. in Waterbury (9:30 am to 3:30 pm). The centers are open Monday to Friday and accept walk-ins.
Exchange officials ask that residents have the following information and documents handy when signing up: Date of birth; social security number; visa, green card or immigration documents; the most recent W-2 and/or IRS Form 1040 and Form 1099; pay stubs, profit and loss statements or other employment verification; and current insurance coverage (if applicable).
People whose income falls below a certain mark (400 percent of the poverty level) can get a discount on their premiums if they buy coverage through the exchange. The discount comes in the form of a federal tax credit, paid either in advance to the insurance company to supplement the customer’s premiums, or when the person files taxes for the year.
Can I sign up after Dec. 15?
Only in certain circumstances. Some people can sign up during a special enrollment period if they’ve had a qualifying life event such as a move, getting married, having a baby, adopting a child or losing health coverage.
People who qualify for Medicaid, known as HUSKY in Connecticut, can sign up at any time during the year.
