Your Health Idaho’s open enrollment begins

It may seem a bit soon to talk about the new year but not when it comes to health insurance. Your Health Idaho’s open enrollment for 2017 began Tuesday. This year, more than 95,000 Idahoans enrolled in health insurance coverage through the state’s exchange. These same customers have already been automatically renewed for coverage in 2017, according to Your Health Idaho. We spoke with the executive director of Your Health Idaho, Pat Kelly, who said he encourages everyone to check it out even if they already have a plan. “People’s circumstances change. Their budgets change, their medical needs change and so we’re encouraging everyone to go out on our website, see their current plan, the plan that their going to be renewed into and evaluate whether that really fits best for their family,” Kelly said. Those who choose not to buy insurance will face a fee, via tax return, he said. This fee is about $695 for adults and half of that for each child within the family, or 2 1/2 percent of your income; whichever is greater, he said. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31. Idahoans who want the coverage to begin on New Year’s Day will need to register by Dec. 15. This is to avoid any lapse in coverage, according to Your Health Idaho. He is especially encouraging new customers to get a plan. “We think that, although premiums are increasing each year, many new people may be eligible for a tax credit, so again, people may be pleasantly surprised of just how affordable health insurance may be,” Kelly said. The Idaho Legislature established Your Health Idaho so that they can maintain local control in Idaho. It is governed by a board of Idahoans and offer insurance plans from Idaho companies. This ensures that it is an “Idaho-fit solution,” – he said. Those who are interested in enrolling, click here. Anyone can also find an agent in their area, by clicking here. Agents are free and are all certified by Your Health Idaho.