Free Workshop at Riverton Hospital to Help Individuals Choose a 2017 Insurance Plan Before Open Enrollment Ends

The workshop is designed to help an increasing number of individuals in Utah who don’t have insurance through their employer find health insurance on their own, decide what type of plan best matches their needs, and meet end-of-year open enrollment deadlines to sign up for plans that take effect in 2017.

The Affordable Care Act’s open enrollment window for individuals who need commercial insurance coverage in 2017 ends on Dec. 15. That is is the last day to enroll or change plans for coverage that will start Jan. 1, 2017.

Individuals eligible for Medicare can enroll in 2017 plans until Dec. 7. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for those ages 65 and older or who have a qualified disability.

Approximately 260,000 Utahns enrolled in insurance plans on their own last year, and the numbers are increasing, according to SelectHealth Insurance, which will be presenting at the workshop.

“Choosing an insurance plan on your own can be an overwhelming and confusing task. Consumers who are well informed about the different insurance plans available will make better choices,” said Heidi Castaneda, personal program director for SelectHealth.

The workshop can also help individuals learn how to find out if they qualify for a premium subsidy from the federal government.

“There are 340,000 Utah residents who are currently eligible for Medicare. 35 percent of those are on a Medicare Advantage plan, which is a comprehensive plan offered by a private insurance company like SelectHealth. It provides hospital and medical benefits, and some plans also include prescription drug coverage,” says Brent Hess,Director for Medicare Sales at SelectHealth.

“Many people aren’t aware of the various Medicare options and how they work,” says Mike Milne, Medicare sales representative for SelectHealth. “This workshop will help clarify the choices available for those who qualify for Medicare.”

The workshop will be held in Riverton Hospital’s Riverton/Herriman classrooms, first floor, entry two, north end of the hospital.