Health Insurance open enrollment begins on Wednesday, November 1, and Montana Insurance Commissioner Matt Rosendale says there are important changes to consider.

“The most important thing is to shop, shop, shop for the best available plan that meets your needs and budget,” Rosendale said. “As the open enrollment season begins, Montanans should thoroughly research coverage options to determine the best plan for themselves and their families.”

All three of the marketplace providers have significantly raised their rates.

“Pacific Source has raised their rates by an average of 13 percent, the Montana Health Co-op has raised their rates by 16 percent, and Blue Cross Blue Shield has raised their rates by an average of 23 percent,” he said.

In addition, President Trump issued two Executive Orders recently regarding health insurance, expanding duration of certain short-term insurance policies.

“Those are policies that people can purchase that do not have all the different mandates placed upon the ACA compliant plans,” he said. “This will allow people to join association plans and you could potentially join in with those. He also wanted to allow employers to start putting funds into an HRA, which is basically a health savings account.”

Rosendale said healthcare customers must monitor all these programs and make a wide choice during the open enrollment period that closes on December 15.

Rosendale said important information is available here. 

 

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