December 23 is deadline for enrolling in health benefit exchange

PROVIDENCE – HealthSource RI, Rhode Island’s health benefits exchange, reminds all Rhode Islanders that December 23 is the deadline to enroll in an insurance plan for individuals and families who want health insurance coverage to begin on January 1, 2014.

The Dec. 23 deadline reflects the federal government’s one-week extension of the original deadline for enrollment. HealthSource RI will soon launch new print, online, television and radio advertising focused on getting the word out about the Dec. 23 deadline.

For coverage to begin for individuals and families on January 1, a plan must be selected and the first month’s premium must be paid. To be able to more easily explore options and rates, have the following information on hand as you shop:

•  Last year’s tax form/tax information

•  Social Security numbers/immigration documents

•  Employer Identification Number (EIN): Ask your manager or refer to your W-2 form.

•  Information about any health insurance you currently have

•  Names of any current doctors you want to keep.

Many Rhode Islanders who purchase insurance through HealthSource RI will qualify for tax credits to help make monthly premiums more affordable. These tax credits, potentially available to individuals making up to $45,960 a year and families of four making up to $94,200 a year, are applied immediately to reduce the monthly premium, not as an end-of-year tax refund. Depending on income and family size, some Rhode Islanders may qualify for low-cost or no-cost insurance coverage.

HealthSource RI offers 12 different health insurance plans for individuals and families from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, as well as dental plans. All plans cover doctor visits, emergency services, hospitalizations, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance abuse treatment services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, laboratory services, chronic disease management and pediatric services.

All plans offered through HealthSource RI also cover (with no co-payment or deductible) blood pressure screenings, breast cancer screenings and mammograms, cervical cancer screenings (Pap tests), cholesterol screenings, colorectal cancer screenings, depression screenings, obesity screening and counseling, and adult immunizations, such as flu shots, Hepatitis A and B, and pneumonia vaccines.

All HealthSource RI plans cover the same essential health benefits; plans differ in how enrollees share costs such as deductibles, co-insurance and co-payments. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you can’t be denied coverage or charged a higher premium.

During its first month in operation, nearly 4,500 Rhode Islanders enrolled in health insurance plans through HealthSource RI. The open enrollment period for individuals and families ends on March 31, 2014; Medicaid-eligible individuals may enroll throughout the year.

For small employers, HealthSource RI has 16 different plans available from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and UnitedHealthcare, as well as dental plans. Small employers may purchase coverage for their employees – including offering Full Employee Choice, which lets the employer pick a base plan while allowing employees to choose from any of HealthSource RI’s 16 small employer plans – at their regular annual renewal date throughout the calendar year.

For more information about HealthSource RI, visit healthsourceri.com or call 1-855-840-4774 or visit the HealthSource RI Contact Center at 70 Royal Little Drive in Providence to compare plans and enroll in the plan that’s right for you.