I could have thought of a better time of the year to do boring, difficult, un-fun health insurance stuff than during the holiday season…but I don’t make the rules. I’ve been a health insurance broker for 14 years, so I consider myself an expert at health insurance, yet the rules are always changing, so even I need to be on my toes. It’s important to schedule an appointment with a smart (and honest) broker to make sure you have a plan that works best for you in the coming year. Often, I can save new clients money, and sometimes a lot of money! Open enrollment for individuals, and families goes from November 1st to January 15th, 2022. Last year it ended on December 15th, so this year we get an additional 30 days. If you want your health insurance plan to begin on January 1st you must choose a plan by December 15th. If you are Medicare age (65+), or otherwise eligible, your annual enrollment period (AEP) began on October 15th and ends on December 7th. During AEP you can change your Medicare Advantage plan, or your Part-D prescription drug plan. There are a lot of choices. It is helpful to work with a qualified broker. Make time for your family, celebrate your friends, and hug your pets! If you need health insurance help, I’m here for you.

Medicare eligible? You are eligible when you have reached age 65, or you have received 24 months of disability payments from social security. You are entering a different way to have health insurance. No worries! Watch for my new four-part “Medicare Explainer” coming soon.