Nebraska Department of Insurance: Federally Facilitated Marketplace

Open Enrollment Deadline Approaching for Health Insurance Coverage

The Nebraska Department of Insurance reminds consumers wishing to obtain individual healthcare policies of the December 15, 2015 open enrollment deadline for coverage starting on January 1 of 2016. For those individuals not automatically re-enrolled, and desirous of continuous insurance coverage or coverage beginning on January 1, 2016, it is important to enroll on or before December 15, 2015. Consumers who purchase their insurance after December 15,2015, but prior to January 15, 2016, can expect their insurance coverage to begin on February 1 of 2016. The Department suggests that individuals should not only look at the cost but also at the quality of the plan’s network, as well as the copays,deductibles and coinsurance. “Having a gap in insurance coverage can be extremely problematic,” said state insurance director, Bruce Ramge. “An uncovered illness or injury can become very costly for individuals or their families.”

www.doi.nebraska.gov

Separating the Affordable Care Act’s Facts from Fiction
Norfolk
Tuesday, November 3
6:00pm-7:00pm
Norfolk Public Library
308 W. Prospect Avenue
South Sioux City

Wednesday, November 4
12:00-1:00pm
South Sioux City Library
2121 Dakota Avenue
Fremont

Thursday, November 5
12:00-1:00pm
Keane Memorial Library
1030 North Broad Street

www.doi.nebraska.gov

Separating the Affordable Care Act’s Facts from Fiction

The Nebraska Department of Insurance is finishing its statewide informational sessions on the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare. Beginning on Tuesday, November 3, the Department will be informing Nebraskans about changes to Obamacare in Norfolk, South Sioux City, and Fremont. Individuals are invited to attend these public meetings.

“Many Nebraskans still have questions about open enrollment and Obamacare as a whole. Department staff members are meeting with the public to dispel the myths of Obamacare and provide Nebraskans with the tools necessary for a successful open enrollment period,” said Director of Insurance Bruce Ramge. Ramge stressed that Nebraskans need to shop around before they select a plan during the open enrollment period that begins on November 1, 2015 and ends on January 31, 2016. The public educational sessions are great opportunities for individuals to ask questions or to have any concerns addressed regarding their health insurance.

The educational sessions on Obamacare will provide individuals and small business owners with information about Nebraska’s health insurance landscape and the increases in premiums for plans across the state. In addition, the meetings will provide information about Nebraska’s uninsured rate, and update the public on changes to the Affordable Care Act. Subject to approval, insurance producers may also receive one hour of
continuing education from the Department if they attend these sessions.

Following the brief presentation, Department staff will be able to answer additional questions. Staff will be available for interviews before and after the meetings, as well.

Below is a list of locations/dates/times of next week’s educational sessions:

Norfolk
Tuesday, November 3
6:00pm-7:00pm
Norfolk Public Library
308 W. Prospect Avenue

South Sioux City
Wednesday, November 4
12:00-1:00pm
South Sioux City Library
2121 Dakota Avenue

Fremont
Thursday, November 5
12:00-1:00pm
Keane Memorial Library
1030 North Broad Street

CoOportunity Health Liquidation
Frequently Asked Questions For Individuals

www.doi.nebraska.gov

STATE HEALTH EXCHANGES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO (RE)ENROLL

www.doi.nebraska.gov

Recently, the federal government announced that it would continue the transitional policy, first announced November 14, 2013 by President Obama, for an additional two plan years. On November 22, 2013, the Nebraska Department of Insurance (Department), issued a Notice that indicated that despite the proposed lack of enforcement for these plans by the federal government, it was the Department’s opinion that individual and small group health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2014 must comply with the provisions outlined in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and, as such, that Presidential announcement had no legal effect for the purposes of insurance regulation in Nebraska.

With regard to the recent announcement of the extension of this policy by the
federal government, the Department’s position has not changed on this issue.
Unless there is sufficient federal and state legal authority to allow for these
transitional plans, all plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2014 must be ACA compliant. This position does not apply to grandfathered plans.

Nebraska Department of Insurance

Open enrollment to the marketplace is 10 days away. Please read and share the fraud fact sheet to protect yourself from fraud.

http://marketplace.cms.gov/getofficialresources/publications-and-articles/protect-yourself-from-frau

NDOI is hosting an educational meeting on the Affordable Care act on Thursday. Please share with interested parties.

September 12 – O’Neill
O’Neill Public Library
601 E Douglas St O’Neill, NE 68763
11:00am-1:00pm

September12 - Norfolk
Holiday Inn Express
920 S 20th St, Norfolk, NE 68701
6:00pm-9:00pm

NDOI is hosting an educational meeting on the ACA on Tuesday.

September 10 - Gering
Gering Civic Center
M St Gering, NE
6:00pm-9:00pm

NDOI is hosting an educational meeting on the ACA on Monday.

September 9 - McCook
McMillen Hall Room 213, Hormel Center
McCook Community College
1205 E 3rd. McCook , NE
11:00am-1:00pm

NDOI is hosting educational sessions Next week on the Affordable Care Act: First stop McCook.

http://www.doi.nebraska.gov/notices/notc2013/nr1309.pdf

Nebraska Department of Insurance