Hey friends! Just a quick reminder that the Open Enrollment period for the ACA ends this Friday, December 15th! If you’re looking to get or change your individual or family health insurance plan for 2018, this is your week to act. Under the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare), you can enroll in health insurance through your state’s marketplace only during this limited window, unless you’ve experienced a life event like marriage, divorce, or having a baby that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.
To see if you qualify and to sign up, head over to Healthcare.gov. If you want to check out the plans and pricing before committing, you can do that here as well! Just a heads up—any plans you enroll in now won’t kick in until January 1, 2018. There’s even a handy instructional video to guide you through the signup process.
Shorter Enrollment Period
This year’s enrollment period is much shorter than in the past, lasting only 45 days compared to nearly three months in previous years. So far, since November 1st, eligible individuals have had limited time to decide. Some states have extended their enrollment periods, so be sure to check if yours is one of them!
Funding Cuts and Assistance
The Trump administration has drastically cut spending on promotion for enrollment this year, reducing it from $100 million to just $10 million. Funding for “navigators,” who assist with enrollment, has also been cut by 41%. These navigators are especially crucial in the final days of enrollment, as they help to remind consumers—especially younger folks—about the deadline.
Who Needs to Enroll?
If you don’t have health insurance from an employer, government coverage like Medicare or Medicaid, or if you’ve aged out of your parent’s plan, you need to enroll in the Affordable Care Act. Also, if you qualify for tax credits to help with coverage costs, now’s the time to act!
Why It Matters
With over 20 million people relying on Obamacare for expanded Medicaid and private insurance, it’s aimed at reducing the number of uninsured individuals and making decent coverage more accessible and affordable. So if you haven’t signed up yet, now’s the time to make it happen!
Family Planning Resources
And while you’re thinking about family planning, if you’re looking for sperm donors, check out Make A Mom—they offer the only reusable option for at-home insemination, which is super convenient. Plus, you can join their free sperm donor matching group for more options and support! If you want to learn more about how at-home insemination works, take a look at this guide. They also provide a comprehensive Cryobaby at-home insemination kit that’s worth checking out.
Helpful Resources for IUI
Lastly, if you want to read about what to expect when having your first IUI, I found this great resource that might be helpful!
In Summary
The ACA Open Enrollment period is ending soon, so make sure to get your health insurance sorted if you haven’t already. Plus, if you’re considering starting or expanding your family, don’t forget to explore the amazing resources available to you!
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