HARRISBURG, Pa. — Acting Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman yesterday announced the launch of a media campaign to help Pennsylvanians understand the individual market health insurance options during open enrollment, November 1 through December 15.
(Pictured above: Acting Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman.)
The campaign will help fill the void left by Trump Administration cuts to outreach and advertising budgets and was created to ensure that consumers understand changes to the open enrollment period, which is now six weeks shorter than in previous years.
“This enrollment period may be the only chance to shop for insurance,” Acting Secretary Altman said. “If consumers do not enroll by December 15, they may not be able to get coverage for 2018.
“Despite cuts to federal outreach and advertising budgets and a significant change to the length of the open enrollment period, the Wolf Administration is committed to helping consumers understand the changes to open enrollment and finding the right plan for them and their family.”
Consumers who know they are eligible for financial assistance will benefit by using Healthcare.gov to shop on the exchange, but Acting Commissioner Altman reminded consumers that according to the federal government, the site will not be accessible during open enrollment from midnight until 12 p.m. on every Sunday except December 10.
Consumers’ Checkbook, a plan comparison tool first released by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance last year and which will display plans for 2018 beginning on Monday, allows shoppers to compare on- and off-exchange plans by various factors, including monthly premium and estimated yearly cost. The plan comparison tool will be particularly valuable for those who do not qualify for financial assistance and could be impacted by the rate increases necessitated by President Trump’s decision to end payments for cost-sharing reductions.
“I know the rate increases caused by the President’s actions are creating confusion for consumers around Pennsylvania,” Altman said. “I strongly encourage everyone shopping to use the Consumers’ Checkbook tool to ensure they are getting the best plan for their needs and financial situation and to protect themselves and their family by enrolling in coverage.
“The Trump Administration has left consumers in a position that could jeopardize their health and financial well-being.”
The department partnered with insurance plans, healthcare providers, consumer advocates and others to develop printed enrollment materials that will be available from health centers, hospitals, and enrollment assisters around the commonwealth.
For more information on 2018 rates and additional resources for shopping for health insurance, visit www.insurance.pa.gov.
