Moving to Wisconsin? Need a New Health Plan?
If you’re moving to Wisconsin, here are some things to consider for a new health plan.the 1800s, the University of Wisconsin led the nation in dairy research which inspired farmers to switch from crops to cows, earning the title “America’s Dairyland.”
Today, if you’re moving to Wisconsin, there’s far more than cows, cheese and farms to enjoy. Wisconsin is home to great health care, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and insurance. In fact, if you need a new health plan, Wisconsin is the place to be.
The good news – moving means that you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you need a new health plan within 60 days of your move date. If you just moved a short distance and didn’t move out of your health plan’s coverage area, this SEP doesn’t apply.
If you don’t buy a health plan, you may be liable to pay a fee. In 2016 the fee is $695 per person or 2.5 percent of your household income, whichever is higher.
Points to consider when you need a new health plan
Because of the Affordable Care Act, health plans are divided into five levels – catastrophic, bronze, silver, gold and platinum. The differences between these levels are how your costs are distributed. Catastrophic and bronze plans typically have the lowest premiums and the highest deductibles. Platinum plans generally have the highest premiums and the lowest deductibles.
Sometimes you may find that the cost difference between insurance companies for plans at the same level is small. If this is the case, it’s important to check out the provider networks offered by the various companies. For example, all Unity Health Insurance HMO plans give you access to the 1,400 physicians and specialists of UW Health, the number one hospital in Wisconsin* (with no referrals necessary to visit specialists, either). Madison, Wisconsin is also home to the American Family Children’s Hospital – which you also have guaranteed access to with a Unity health plan.
This is an important thing to know when you’re moving to Wisconsin and need a new health plan.
Have questions? Check out our plans or give our helpful customer service representatives a call at 608.644.3430.
