Healthcare.gov is happy to announce that over 9.2 million Americans enrolled in coverage during this year’s Open Enrollment thanks to your efforts. So congratulations on a successful plan year 2017 Open Enrollment! In addition to thanking agents for all their hard work, Healthcare.gov has also released some helpful tips and reminders. Check it out!
Reminder: Consumers Must Pay Premiums to Complete Enrollment
As you continue helping clients post-OEP, don’t forget to remind them that they have to pay their first month’s premium in order to effectuate coverage. Also, remind them that the payment is to the insurance company, not the Marketplace. If they fail to pay their premiums, then they not only forfeit coverage, but you also won’t receive commission for the sale of those plans. Since each carrier handles payments differently, make sure your clients are aware of their premium due date and any other carrier-specific information.
For more information on helping consumers navigate the payment process for their first month’s premiums, check out this blog post.
Special Enrollment Periods in the Marketplace
Even though the plan year 2017 Open Enrollment period has ended, some consumers, if eligible, may still apply for coverage if they experience a significant life change. If consumers experience changes in household size, employment, residence, etc., then they may qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP).
Consumers can either start a Marketplace application or log in to an existing application to determine whether or not they qualify for an SEP; they can also find out when their coverage will begin. To help clients with SEPs, go to HealthCare.gov for more information.
Tips for Helping Consumers Report Changes in Income
Don’t forget to remind clients that they have to report changes to application information like income to the Marketplace within 30 days. This ensures that their information and eligibility determination are correct. To update income information, consumers can report a life change and submit an updated application.
Check out this resource for detailed information so that you can better assist your clients with the income section of the applications.
SHOP Marketplace Corner
The SHOP Marketplace Is Still Open!
Although Open Enrollment for the Individual Marketplace has ended, the SHOP Marketplace is open year-round. Meaning that qualifying small businesses and non-profit organizations with 1-50 employees can enroll whenever they’re ready.
Visit HealthCare.gov to get started today.
Upcoming Events
To help agents be as successful as they can be year-round, CMS sponsors webinars to share information on varying, important topics. Use the links below to log in to REGTAP and register for the webinars. Keep in mind that registration closes 24 hours prior to each event.
“Plan Year 2017 Marketplace Registration and Training for Agents and Brokers”
- March 8, 2017, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET
- April 18, 2017, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET
Recently Released Resources
Visit the Agents and Brokers Resources webpage for up-to-date information. Also, check out these helpful resources:
- Serving Special Populations: Immigrants
- Working with American Indians and Alaskan Natives
- Serving Special Populations: Consumers with Disabilities
Contact Information for Healthcare.gov
- Agent/Broker Email Help Desk: FFMProducer-AssisterHelpDesk@cms.hhs.gov, available Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM ET
- Exchange Operation Support Center: 855-267-1515, Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET
- Individual Marketplace Dedicated Agent/Broker Call Line (for consumer eligibility and enrollment issues): 855-788-6275, open 24/7
- SHOP Call Center: 800-706-7893, Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET
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