Here's Why You May Find It Harder to Sign Up for Health Insurance This Year

While the Trump Administration tries to undermine the Affordable Care Act, the ACA – or Obamacare – remains the law of the land. Wednesday, November 1, marks the start of Open Enrollment, the time to sign up for 2018 health insurance plans. People who buy insurance on the state or federal exchanges must sign up for coverage or switch plans. They have until December 15 in New Jersey and January 31 in New York. 

Consumer Reports Senior Editor Donna Rosato told WNYC's Richard Hake that it’s going to be a very different enrollment season this year. The window to sign up has been cut in half to 6 weeks from 12. With premiums, deductibles, co-pays and the nature of some coverage changing, plans that were the best deals last year likely won’t be this year.

 In some states uncertainty over the Trump Administration’s financial support for the exchanges has led insurers to withdraw. Consumers in those states will have fewer choices in terms of insurers and plans.  And in some places, it’s going to be harder to find help if you have questions about enrolling. Money for these so-called Navigators has also been cut back.

It’s not all bad news, though, Rosato said. Although premiums are up in a lot of places – an average 34 percent on the most popular Silver plans – most people qualify for financial assistance and will be insulated from the steep premium increases.  In many cases, people who qualify for these subsidies will get a better deal and pay less for a more comprehensive plan.  

Still, sorting through the options can be overwhelming, Rosato said, especially for the 15 percent of people on the exchanges who don't qualify for financial assistance.

“Choosing health insurance is always a complicated task and it’s going to be even more so this year,” she said.