It’s that time of year again!

For the fourth time, the Health Insurance Enrollment period has started. Things that are new are more numerous than those we should be able to expect.

On the Marketplace, or OFF the Marketplace, everyone who is purchasing coverage aside from his employer should revise his options.

In Silver Level, Cook County insurance has increased in premiums between 20 and 40%. Lake, DuPage, Will and Kane counties have 25 to 40% increases.

Everyone who is purchasing through the Marketplace should not forget that these same areas might have different levels of subsidies, as a neutralizer for high monthly payments.

DuPage again has higher subsidies. Cook County is better than it was, but far from DuPage. Lake County’s subsidy level is in between the two already noted. In general, all three counties have expanded subsidies.

Some examples:

• 30 year old single male living in Cook County zip 60656 with $25,000 adjusted gross income, non-smoker, can purchase a Health Plan starting from $131 a month with an $80 subsidy. The maximum premium amount when selected and purchased through the Marketplace is $417.
• 45 year old single male living in Cook County zip 60656 with $25,000 adjusted gross income, non-smoker, can purchase a Health Plan starting from $127 a month with a $177 subsidy.
• 60 year old single male living in Cook County zip 60656 with $25,000 adjusted gross income, non-smoker, can purchase a Health Plan starting from $114 a month with a $457 subsidy. Maximum premium amount when selected and purchased through the Marketplace is $800.

Each household is qualified separately. Sometimes the above premiums are good for Husband and Wife but NO one’s situation matches another’s. The above examples are strictly for the given, simple profile.

The lowest offers are from different companies this year (2017). The providers’ network is slightly larger than same type of offerings have had during the past year (2016).

Do not hesitate to call me for a five-minute consultation and set an appointment if needed. Time is going fast and we have only 45 days to re-enroll everyone who wants to be in compliance for 2017.

Phone numbers are 773-742-6626 to leave a message, or 773-988-7608 to call the office phone. Always leave a message. I’ll call you back. Repeat the call if needed.