Important Open Enrollment Deadlines – Individual Marketplace

In the fall of 2013, the State Bar of Texas announced the opening of the Individual Marketplace, a customized multi-carrier private exchange that offers a consumer-friendly approach to purchasing health insurance and other coverages. There has been a tremendous amount of interest in the exchange since the launch. To date, over 4,000 members have successfully created accounts on the Individual marketplace. Members are able to view plans from a variety of qualified health insurance providers, compare benefits and costs and make purchasing decisions based on their specific health needs and budget. With live assistance from licensed Benefits Counselors, members are getting the information and service they need to evaluate how to best move forward with their health insurance decisions.

Currently, health insurance companies are accepting enrollments in the private exchange for a six-month open enrollment period, which runs from October 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014, for coverage effective dates of January 1, 2014, and thereafter. A special enrollment period may be opened thereafter if you have a qualifying event. Some important deadlines to consider during open enrollment.

Additionally, new carriers and products are continuing to be added as plan and rate information become available. Medical plan options are currently included from Aetna, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas, and Humana, with new plans from Scott & White and United coming in January. Also being added are additional non-qualified health plan options to satisfy members seeking potentially less expensive plans that do not meet the new healthcare reform requirements but may meet their unique needs.

Members can call 1-800-282-8626 or start shopping for plans.