SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - With 11,000 South Dakotans at risk of losing insurance by year’s end if the shutdown is not resolved, the start of open enrollment this Saturday may seem daunting for some, but there are paths forward.
As open enrollment season approaches, questions linger as to how to approach buying a healthcare plan. One expert says the most important thing to do is not to wait.
“The enhanced premium tax credits are obviously a big concern for consumers as they go into open enrollment starting this weekend,” Kate Serenbetz with Avera Health Plans said.
For years, tens of thousands of South Dakotans have used Enhanced premium tax credits to help pay for insurance. However, if they expire on January 1st, rates are expected to increase by an average of 18%.
Kate Serenbetz with Avera Health Plans said all individuals, including these South Dakotans, will still have options.
“We’re here to help them and work through all of those changes with them and help them find plans that fit their financial needs and their healthcare needs,” Serenbetz said.
Congress remains at an impasse over whether the government should reopen without these credits getting extended past 2025. Although there will be time to find plans, getting coverage should not be an afterthought.
“Really going through and determining sooner than later what you need with your family and not waiting for whether the tax credits get extended or not, and look for that information now,” Serenbetz said.
Serenbetz previously told Dakota News Now she hopes to see the tax credits extended indefinitely, making health insurance easier to obtain for families that are well above the federal poverty level but are challenged by rising costs.
Another crucial piece of advice from Serenbetz, get an agent when looking for health care plans. Because, despite all of this confusion, their job remains the same, and that’s to find the best coverage possible.
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