AAPG is pleased to provide an excellent resource for those looking to change major medical insurance strategies during 2016. As in the past two years, AAPG's GeoCare Benefits Members' Private Medical Insurance Exchange is available to offer research and assistance toward obtaining the coverage that best suits personal needs and budgets.
If you employ a staff of fewer than 50 employees and do not offer group major medical insurance, the Exchange can also be a resource for your staff. Membership in AAPG is not a requirement for obtaining major medical coverage through the Exchange.
Open enrollment is a period during which new coverage or changes to existing coverage can be obtained without exclusions for pre-existing conditions. For coverage going into effect on Jan. 1, 2016, the open enrollment period began Nov. 1 and continues through Jan. 31 – plenty of time for you to review your current coverage and look into any changes you want to pursue, such as a change in plan or deductible.
For individuals experiencing the termination of their current major medical insurance on Dec. 31, the open enrollment period runs through Feb. 29, 2016.
Individuals may also qualify for special enrollment periods outside of open enrollment if they experience certain qualifying events, such as moving to a new state, certain changes in income and changes in family size (for example, marriage, divorce or the birth of a baby). Dependents turning 26 also fall into this category.
The Members' Private Medical Insurance Exchange provides a marketplace where you can choose from multiple plan designs, options, and premium rates available in your state from a variety of insurance companies. The Exchange employs fully licensed agents, readily available to chat with online or over the phone, to answer any questions or help walk you through the enrollment process.
To ensure that members are assisted in any way necessary without a hitch during open enrollment, the Exchange will have additional agents available and as last year, hours will be extended to accommodate late in the day and weekend enrollment or questions.
For more information go to geocare.saleslinkportal.com, or call 1-877-739-7845 to talk to an agent and get your profile started over the phone.
Once you've logged onto the Exchange and established your profile, any plans researched can be saved so you can come back any time without feeling as though you are starting over.
If you have questions about this or any of the other coverages offered through AAPG's GeoCare Benefits Insurance Program, please visit geocarebenefits.com/aapg, or contact Melissa Hughes or Virginia Thaemert at Creekmore Livingston Inc., at 1-941-639-3333.