With open enrollment just around the corner, many Broker’s can expect to receive a flood of questions from new and existing customers. How do I choose the right insurance for me? Can I stick to the plan I had last year? What is an HSA and how do I get one?
The most successful Brokers are not only prepared to field these questions when they come up, but also be proactive about getting their Groups and Employees answers so they can be ready for enrollment season.
We have pulled some of the most common questions Brokers can expect to hear this year in order to provide a positive, hassle-free experience for their customers.
When is Enrollment for 2022 health insurance coverage?
Open enrollment for 2022 health insurance coverage is slated to begin on November 1, 2021. Even though open enrollment currently has a scheduled end date of December 15, 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services has proposed a one-month extension, making the predicted nationwide end date of the enrollment period January 15, 2022.
Even if the extended enrollment window passes, individuals in most states who want their health plans to go into effect on January 1, 2022 will need to complete their application by December 15, 2021. Any application that is submitted between December 16 and January 15 will take effect on February 1, 2022.
What information will I need in order to enroll in a health plan for 2022?
Many individuals are unsure of what forms and personal information they will need to submit in order to enroll for 2022 health coverage. Some information is more obvious, like name, address, social security number and citizenship status. Other information may be less clear to Employees, like their primary care physician names and networks to ensure they are covered under the health plans you’re considering.
As a professional health insurance Broker, Employees consider you to be a trusted advisor. Ask about their challenges, their goals and their budget. Then, simplify the data collection process by using software that painlessly collects and maps all their information for them across multiple Carrier applications. Having the right tools in your toolbelt will help create a stress-free enrollment process.
Can I preview health plans and prices?
Choosing a health insurance plan can be a daunting task. Comparing premiums, deductibles, coverage details and networks can leave Employees feeling overwhelmed. Many individuals will want to see these numbers and plans upfront so that they can make the most informed decision.
FormFire's health insurance quoting software lets Brokers gather multiple quotes from participating Carriers all at once. They can then pull specific quotes to add to a proposal for their Small Groups. Not only does this software help Brokers personalize quotes, but it will also improve customer experience.
Should I let my existing plan auto-renew for 2022?
If an Employee or Small Group is satisfied with their current health care plan and want to simply renew their existing coverage, Brokers can use software to assign plans to Employees and Groups who are not changing plans.
Even though individuals may be happy with their insurance coverage, it is still important that as a Broker you make all Employees and Small Groups aware of any legislation changes such as the No Surprises Act or new coverage opportunities like the rise in telemedicine. These emerging trends and legislative changes may make other plans more desirable to your customer.
What is an HSA? How can I get an HSA?
An HSA, or health savings account, is a tax-deductible savings account that’s used in combination with an HSA-qualified high-deductible health insurance plan (HDHP) to help pay for qualified medical expenses. When you have an HSA, you can legally reduce federal income tax by depositing pre-tax money into a designated account. The only requirement is that you’re covered by an HSA-qualified HDHP.
In 2022, you can contribute $3,650 as an individual, or up to $7,300 at the family level. In order to qualify for an HSA, the HDHP deductible must be at least $1,400 for individual health coverage or $2,800 or more for family health coverage.
It is also worth noting that in 2022, the maximum allowable out-of-pocket cap will increase from $7,000 for an individual and $14,000 for a family, to $7,000 and $14,100 respectively.
Who can help me enroll in a health plan for 2022?
Health insurance is complicated, and many individuals don’t feel comfortable navigating it on their own. Health insurance Brokers are trained professionals whose job is to take the pain out of the process and guide people from quote to enrollment.
If you’re a Broker and want to streamline your next season, contact us or schedule a free demo. FormFire has the tools and expertise to help you quote, sell and manage your Small Groups better than ever.