Maryland: 2017 Open Enrollment Window Shopping now LIVE!

On Monday, I thought that Your Health Idaho was first out of the gate with bringing their 2017 Window Shopping tool online. However, it looks like Maryland launched their all-new 2017 system the same day:

With less than one month until open enrollment begins, we want you to be armed with the knowledge you need to sign up or choose a new plan for 2017. You can now browse and compare prices online at MarylandHealthConnection.gov or on your phone or tablet through our new mobile app, Enroll MHC. Find the free app in the Play Store for Android or Apple’s App Store.
Here’s how to get started:

• Head to our online application homepage.
• Click “Get an Estimate.”
• Enter basic information like your county, age and income to see what coverage and financial help you may qualify for.

After open enrollment starts Nov. 1, you will need to click “Apply for Coverage” on the application homepage to enter more complete information about your household and choose a plan or change plans for 2017. Insurance companies that will offer health plans for next year include CareFirst, Cigna, Evergreen Health and Kaiser Permanente.

Maryland Health Connection is the only place to get financial help with health insurance. Last year, nine in 10 people who enrolled qualified for lower costs. Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov/help to find free, in-person help near you. You must enroll by Dec. 15 to have coverage starting Jan. 1.

The acting executive director of Maryland Health Benefit Exchange commented on the new feature. “We are excited to provide consumers with the opportunity to shop and compare 2017 plans to find the best options for themselves and their families,” said Jonathan N. Kromm. “This will give Marylanders the opportunity to view plan details now, estimate cost and make decisions on health insurance plans well before open enrollment starts on Nov. 1.”

We encourage current enrollees to come back each year to update your household and income information, see what financial help you qualify for, and compare plans to choose the best one for you or your family. If you enrolled in a qualified health plan through Maryland Health Connection for 2016, in most cases your coverage will be renewed automatically in the same plan or a similar plan. It’s important to know that UnitedHealthcare is no longer offering plans through the marketplace in 2017, so current UnitedHealthcare enrollees will need to choose a new plan by Dec. 15 or they may have a gap in coverage