Sunday is the deadline to enroll in an insurance health insurance plan for next year.
After that date, people can only enroll in an individual plan if they have a major “life event” change, such as getting married or having a baby. Enrolling through the federal website Healthcare.gov is the only way to get financial assistance.
If someone is unsure about the insurance company or agent they are dealing with, they should stop before signing any paperwork or writing a check; and call the N.H. Insurance Department at 1-800-852- 3416; to confirm the company or agent offering insurance is legitimate and licensed in the state.
“New Hampshire insurance companies are offering lower average premium rates for the second year in a row,” stated Gov. Chris Sununu. “Everyone who is purchasing a health insurance plan for 2020 should shop around, just as they would for any other big purchase, even if they like the plan they have now. There may be another plan out there that’s more affordable or that has a better network of health care providers.”
Even consumers keeping their 2019 should update their application on HealthCare.gov and shop and compare options for 2020. If consumers who purchase coverage through HealthCare.gov do not take any action they will be automatically enrolled into a plan by HealthCare.gov that is considered “similar” to their current plan, but that may not have a similar premium, and their doctors and prescription drugs may not be in network.
The Insurance Department recommends that people contact an insurance agent or an enrollment assister. Visit the Find Local Help tool on HealthCare.gov to find a local agent or enrollment assister by zip code or contact N.H. Navigator by calling 1-877-211-NAVI.