News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Health insurance providers are encouraging people to sign-up for policies with open enrollment ending Dec. 15.
Account Executive Gabe Colwell of Swallows Insurance says knowing the prominent providers in the region is critical.
“Blue Cross Blue Shield is usually who we sell through because the majority of doctors and hospitals in our area and in Nashville accept it,” Colwell says. “That is one of the more important things is to make sure that who you’re going to see accepts your health insurance.”
Colwell says health insurance prices can vary based on qualifications coverage options.
“For someone that is eligible for the marketplace, that is eligible to get those premium tax credits,” Colwell says, “that is probably the most cost-effective way to get health insurance, if you’re eligible for it. In order to be eligible for it, you can’t have it offered to you through your employer.”
Colwell says those who fail to sign-up during the open-enrollment period could face difficulties when signing up at a later date.
“You really can’t sign-up outside that enrollment period unless there is what’s called a ‘qualifying life event,'” Colwell says. “If you lose your job or lose your healthcare through your job, getting a divorce, getting married, that sort of thing. It’s really important and it’s not just for marketplace coverage. This is for on or off-marketplace coverage for all qualified plans.”
Colwell says those in need of health coverage can visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to sign-up for health coverage.
