[box] If you are a new customer to BCBSNC these Frequently Asked Questions are a great place to start. They will help you understand the ACA Open Enrollment process and how to get assistance from the Marketplace and BCBSNC. [/box]
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When is Individual Annual Enrollment?
Annual enrollment for individuals purchasing their own insurance starts November 1, 2016, and ends January 31, 2017. We encourage you to research your plan choices, select the plan that is best for your health care needs, complete your enrollment, and make your initial payment by early December.
How do I purchase insurance?
There are two easy ways to pay for your policy. Before you pay, we suggest you make sure your doctors and hospital are in the network for the plan you selected.
- Pay online at bcbsnc.com/pay, using a credit card, debit card or personal bank account information.
- Call 888-802-2386 and use a credit card, debit card or personal bank account information.
When is my first payment due?
To complete enrollment and be covered on the effective date, you must make your first payment (binder payment) before the coverage start date. We suggest making the payment by early December. New customer may need to wait 48-72 hours after application is submitted on healthcare.gov to make payment. To proceed with the first payment you will need your Social Security Number or Exchange ID, Date of Birth and Zip code.
- Pay Online: www.BCBSNC.com/pay
- Pay-by-Phone for On-Exchange initial payment: 888-802-2386
What happens if I miss my first payment?
Your plan most likely will be canceled. During the open enrollment period, you can shop for another plan. Once you select a plan, make sure your first payment is received by the due date. Also, it is important to note the new effective date of your plan.
When can I make changes to my insurance plan?
If you already have insurance but need to make changes for a January 1, 2017 effective date, you must do so by December 15, 2016. After January 31, 2017 you can only make a change for qualifying life events.
|
Date of Change |
Effective Date |
| By December 15, 2016 |
January 1, 2017 |
| December 15, 2016 – January 15, 2017 |
February 1, 2017 |
| January 16, 2017 – January 31, 2017 |
March 1, 2017 |
When will I receive my ID card?
After you have paid and the policy is set up (about five days after payment is received), you can print a verification of coverage at bcbsnc.com/voc. This form has all the information you need to use your insurance on the plan effective date as you wait to receive your BCBSNC ID cards. To obtain a VOC you will need your Social Security Number or Exchange ID, Date of Birth and Zip code.
Do I have to purchase insurance?
If you do not receive insurance through an employer and have no other coverage, most Americans need to purchase insurance or the U.S. Government may charge you a fine.
What should I consider when buying a health insurance plan?
- Monthly premiums: The amount paid each month to keep the plan active
- Doctor and hospital network: Consider if YOUR doctors and hospital are in the plan network.
- Copayments: The set amount you paid at the time of service
- Deductible Limit: The amount you must pay for services before insurance pays the remaining amount
- Prescription coverage and pharmacy networks: The list of preferred medications and pharmacies that are included in the network
What do I need to know about Pharmacy and Drug Benefits?
Two changes that we are making to pharmacy plans in 2017 include Pharmacy Networks and Covered Drug Lists (Formulary). Learn more.
Where can I go if I have questions while selecting a plan?
Here are several ways to get assistance:
What information do I need to purchase insurance?
You need to provide some information about you and your dependents, including income, any coverage you currently have, and some additional items. Use this checklist to help gather what you need to purchase coverage.