Is the ACA plan you’re in still the right one for you?
By Beth Newcomb
One of the hallmarks of last year’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment was the elimination of the tax penalty for those failing to acquire coverage.
“The law requiring coverage was and is still in place, but the individual mandate on the tax penalty was eliminated last year,” says Carl Lishing, a licensed insurance agent with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency. “This was a tax code change, not an ACA change, but it obviously impacted everyone covered under the Affordable Care Act.”
The tax code change gave people who were subscribed to an ACA plan more options. Some chose to stay with the ACA coverage they already had, others chose to switch to a non-ACA governed plan. “I don’t think many people realize that determining whether or not to stay on an ACA plan or make a switch has less to do with government oversight and more to do with what makes sense to them, their health and their budget,” he says.
“People with pre-existing conditions and those who are subsidy eligible still fit into the ACA mold and may want to continue their coverage,” Carl explains.
“Healthy people who are not eligible for a subsidy may want to consider a plan that falls outside of the ACA. It could save them some money. The choice is really determined by a person’s individual circumstances.”
If you are on an ACA plan right now, it makes sense to schedule a free review with Carl to see if that plan is still the right fit. If it is, he’ll tell you. If it isn’t, he’ll help you determine which coverage option better fits your needs.
“For example, if your income for 2020 will go up significantly, you’ll want to make sure you make an adjustment now so you aren’t faced with a hit on your taxes the following year,” Carl explains. “I can run the numbers to make sure you’re where you need to be personally and financially.”
“ACA plans include standard essential benefits and access to doctors and hospitals in your area. They also offer preventative coverage options, and things like maternity care if you need them. These plans offer really excellent benefits and some people will want to stick with what they’ve got,” he says.
Because providers modify or enhance their offerings each year, new providers may have entered the marketplace, rates for certain plans may have gone up and deductibles for others may have changed. Where you were last year may not be the best place for you this year. You can find out for sure during a review with Carl.
The best part is, a review with Carl, his time, and his guidance are all free of charge.
“People who want or need ACA coverage still need to follow the enrollment dates (now until December 15), or they need to change plans. With me, you’ll have the power to learn about all of your options, and you can feel confident that the plan you’re in, or perhaps another plan, is the best fit for you and your family. You have the power to choose,” he says.
Because Carl is a licensed insurance agent with HealthMarkets, he has access to a number of different plans. In fact, HealthMarkets isn’t limited to just one company’s insurance plans. They have hundreds, including brands you know. “We aren’t captive agents, which means we can cater to the needs of our clients, not the insurance companies,” Carl states.
“Everyone needs health insurance coverage,” he adds. “The difference I can offer is that my services are free of charge, and I can provide access to carriers some other agents cannot. I can help you determine if you should elect coverage outside of the ACA, or if staying with the ACA makes better sense.”
Meet Carl
With an office in Lakewood and a home in the Edgewater area, Carl and his family are deeply enmeshed with the community. “My wife, Jennifer, and I have been married for 20 years,” he smiles. “We have three kids: Grace, 19, Ben, 16 and Jack, 12.”
When he isn’t helping people find the right insurance fit, Carl spends most of his free time shuttling the kids around town and spectating at their sporting events. But he did have time to get out on the water this summer. “Boating is one of my passions,” he says.
Carl Lishing of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency has an office 16506 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. The phone number is 216-228-0765. During open enrollment, day, evening and weekend appointments are available. As the Affordable Care Act annual enrollment period is already heating up, the time to schedule your free review with Carl is right now.
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. Agents may be compensated upon enrollment. No cost or obligation to enroll. HMIA007578 11/2019