Open Enrollment options start in October every year. That’s right around the corner now! What can you do to prepare? Let’s get right into the details by reviewing the steps you can take to prepare for Open Enrollment for Medicare or Individual plans. Find the section below that applies to you. Pre-enrollment steps for MEDICARE […]
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20% of Medicare recipients are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help Rx program. We advise you to apply prior to annual enrollment for this assistance. If eligible for some assistance, you must apply to receive it. What are Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help Rx programs? These programs are for disabled persons
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Health insurance plans available on the Idaho Marketplace (ACA plans) and Medicare Advantage plans (MA, MAPD plans) all have an OUT-OF-POCKET maximum. This means medical bills that require you to pay a portion of the costs, such as copays, deductibles or coinsurance, is limited. Once you reach your out-of-pocket maximum amount, you will no longer
Out-of-Pocket Maximums Read More »
Many Health Insurance plans offer credits and reimbursements to enrollees of the plan. This includes reimbursement toward dental or vision services, wellness visit credits, or available free items. Both Individual Plans and Medicare Plans may offer extra incentives and bonuses. While specific healthcare related benefits are regulated, extras are not and so these vary from
Extra Benefits on your Health Plan Read More »
For those using Your Health Idaho, at yourhealthidaho.org, the birth of a new baby brings new insurance options. In many scenarios, the mother or father of the new baby had medical insurance previously. In this situation, parents can add the baby to the existing insurance plan. A parent of the newborn must present proof of
New Baby? Need insurance? You have options. Read More »
Not everyone knows this, but each year Medicare Advantage plan members can change plans after December 31. There are two major, yearly recurring enrollment windows for Medicare beneficiaries: Annual Enrollment (Oct15-Dec7) and Open Enrollment (Jan1-Mar31). Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) Most people are familiar with Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15th to December 7th.
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When it comes to the cost of health care, whether a health provider is in-network matters. Whether your health insurance plan is an HMO, PPO, POS or other network type also may affect your cost for care. What can you do to minimize surprises in health care costs? Network Types First, know what type of
Why Health Plan Networks Matter Read More »
There are some significant changes on the horizon for individual health plans on the Idaho Marketplace. Those enrolled through yourhealthidaho.org who are using a tax credit to offset premium costs need to be prepared. This change, which will occur starting in 2026, was set in motion years ago through the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit (EPTC)
Idaho ACA Health Plan Critical Updates for 2026 Read More »
Most Idahoans start Medicare when they turn 65. This means that individuals enroll in Medicare parts A and B with the Center for Medicare Services (CMS). Typically, the enrollment process starts with a phone call or walk-in to the Social Security office or applying online. Sometimes Medicare initiates an automatic enrollment, usually if an individual
How to lower your Medicare Part B Premium Read More »
What is an APTC? In Idaho, individuals and families enrolled in the Idaho Health Insurance marketplace may be eligible to receive a tax credit to help pay for health insurance premiums. The Federal government pays this tax credit on behalf of the policy holder, a calculated amount each month, to their insurance company. This Advanced
How to Reconcile your Health Insurance Tax Credit (APTC) Read More »
