(Salem) -- Oregonians who signed up for individual health insurance during open enrollment have four important tasks to consider as 2018 kicks off.
The tasks are:
* Pay your January premium: Signing up for a 2018 health plan was the first step, but your coverage does not go into effect until you pay the first month's premium.
* Watch your mail for Form 1095: If you had health insurance last year, you may need this document to complete your 2017 federal tax filing. More information on these forms is available at https://go.usa.gov/xnmX5 .
* Special enrollment for discontinued health plans: Oregonians who were enrolled in individual health benefit plans that discontinued on Dec. 31, 2017, qualify for a special enrollment period that runs through March 1. If you qualify for the special enrollment period, you may enroll through HealthCare.gov, directly with a carrier or by contacting a licensed health insurance agent.
* Get to know your health plan: Get familiar with your plan's benefits, providers and prescription drug coverage. Learn which doctors and hospitals are in your plan's network, the out-of-pocket costs, if you need a referral to see a specialist, and if your current medications are covered. It is important to know your plan's network because many plans do not cover non-emergency services by out-of-network providers.
If you have any questions regarding these tasks contact your health insurance provider, your agent or call the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace at 855-268-3767 (toll-free).
If you need to file a complaint visit http://dfr.oregon.gov/gethelp/Pages/file-a-complaint.aspx or call 888-877-4894 (toll-free).
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About Oregon DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.dcbs.oregon.gov. Follow DCBS on Twitter: @OregonDCBS. Receive consumer help and information on insurance, mortgages, investments, workplace safety, and more.
Contact Info:
Brad Hilliard
503-947-7873
[email protected]
Four Health Insurance Tasks for Oregonians to Start the New Year
January 4, 2018
