Open Enrollment Begins in Idaho

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

If you’re planning on acquiring insurance through the Idaho Health Exchange, now is the time to make your appointment.

Open enrollment for the statewide health exchange began Nov. 1 and will run until Dec. 15. During that time, qualifying Idahoans can apply for health and dental insurance or renew or modify their existing plans. With 293 health and dental plans available from seven insurance carriers available through the exchange, state residents have options ranging from low-cost and high-deductible bronze plans to more expensive plans with robust coverage options.

“Your Health Idaho’s insurance marketplace offers Idahoans valuable resources and new tools such as formulary and provider search to help make it easier for families and individuals to compare and shop for health insurance plans. Many Idahoans are surprised to learn that by comparing and shopping for plans they may be able to find a more affordable solution that meets their needs and budget,” said Pat Kelly, executive director of Your Health Idaho, in a press release.

With hundreds of options available, residents can narrow down their selections by making an appointment with one of more than 900 agents and brokers throughout the state. These professionals are available for free consultations to help you get signed up on the insurance exchange and help find an insurance plan that fits your budget and needs. To identify the agents and brokers working with the state, simply visit www.yourhealthidaho.org/find-help/ and search by your location or by individual names.

“We appreciate the efforts of our many partners including hundreds of agents and brokers, carriers, and industry partners in communities across Idaho who work hard, especially this time of year during Open Enrollment, to provide Idahoans with access and choice when it comes to health insurance plans offered through the exchange. Still, there is more work to be done as many Idahoans may not even realize they qualify for a tax credit. For example, a family of four making between $25,000 up to $100,000 may be eligible for a tax credit that could help them lower their monthly health insurance premium,” said Kelly.

It’s likely that regardless of circumstances, most Idahoans will find a plan that works for them. According to Your Health Idaho, “more than 90,000 individuals and families are enrolled in health insurance through Your Health Idaho and 9 out of 10 Idahoans save 80 percent on their monthly premiums with a tax credit.”

In order to be eligible for coverage, you must be a U.S. citizen or national (non-citizens must be lawfully present in the U.S. for the entire length of health coverage). In addition, you must live in the U.S. and have a primary residence in Idaho, you must be considered a resident of the U.S. and Idaho for tax purposes and you cannot be incarcerated.

To enroll in Health Insurance for the 2019 plan year visit YourHealthIdaho.org between Nov. 1 through Dec. 15 or to talk with a consumer advocate for enrollment assistance by calling 1-855-944-3246.