In an effort to minimize the adverse selection under Obamacare plans which is driving premiums higher, the Trump administration has issued rules that would require consumers to provide “supporting documentation” to prove they are eligible to enroll in health plans through HealthCare.gov outside the standard open-enrollment season.
Also, the annual open-enrollment period will be shortened for 2018 so it will run from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 this year. Last year the enrollment period started on Nov. 1 but ended on Jan. 31. The new enrollment period is consistent with procedures used by private employer plans.
Moving away from federal control, the Trump administration said it would allow states to determine whether insurance plans had enough doctors, hospitals and other health care providers to serve patients. Previously detailed federal standards set the adequacy of such provider networks.
We can’t control what others do and we can’t stop misfortune from striking. But we can control our own actions. Those who are financially prudent will most likely enjoy success, even if events don’t always go their way.
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