ACA open enrollment begins November 1, big changes to marketplace

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) – Open enrollment for the health insurance exchange starts Wednesday and there are a few big changes to the marketplace this year.

Children’s Community Health Plan is one of the options for people in southeast Wisconsin who need to buy insurance through the marketplace this year.

The Vice President of the company says this year there are anywhere from two to five insurance provider options for people in Southeast counties--the fewest amount of option these counties have been offered through Obamacare.

Another change for 2017 is a shorter enrollment period.

The deadline this year is December 15, six weeks shorter than last year’s deadline.

All coverage will start January 1, 2018.

The CCHP president says premium prices are more expensive, but not everyone will see an increase this year.

Premium tax credits are still available for people who need financial help, but they aren’t available to everyone.

“The difference is on higher income individuals who don’t have premium tax credits, who don’t have premium support from the federal government. they will see a pretty significant increase,” says Children’s Community Health Plan Vice President Mark Rakowski.

Rakowski says despite talk in Washington, the Affordable Care Act is still the law right now and everyone is required to have health insurance or face a penalty.

See the flyer below to get free, local enrollment help in the Milwaukee area.