Understand Your Individual Health Insurance Options – Personalized Consultations, Trusted Advice, Zero Cost

For individuals who don’t have access to employer or union-sponsored plans, we are here to help. My Medicare Solution is licensed to represent a range of options through the Washington Health Plan Finder, a state-based Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, as well as through individual insurance carriers.

Plans available on the Washington Health Plan Finder are regulated to ensure they meet specific standards, such as covering essential health benefits and providing protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

Five Simple Steps to Choosing Your Health Insurance Coverage

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STEP 1. To choose a plan for you and your family, start by considering the following factors:

Health status – any pre-existing conditions, general health
Budget – how much can you afford each month
Preferred providers – which insurance companies work with your doctor
Prescriptions – are you already taking doctor-prescribed medications

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STEP 2. Consider timing. There are two types of enrollment periods for individual medical insurance:

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

Typically runs from November 1st to December 15th, but has been extended to January 15th in some years. As exact dates may vary, check with the Marketplace or connect with us to confirm deadlines.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you experience a “qualifying life event”, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Common qualifying events include:

Losing other health coverage
Getting married or divorced
Having a baby or adopting a child
Loss of a dependent or dependent status
Moving to Washington or a different county in Washington
A change in citizenship status

The SEP generally lasts 60 days from the date of the qualifying event.

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STEP 3. To prepare for meeting with your broker to select coverage, follow the steps below:

Gather information: Have the following ready:

a. A list of household members (this includes you, your spouse, children you provide for that live with you and others you include in your tax return as dependents)

b. Social Security numbers for all household members

c. Employer and income details:

Income includes salary, self-employment income (minus expenses), unemployment, social security benefits, rental income, dividends and royalties)
For self-employed individuals, it’s net monthly income
For employees with salaries or wages, its gross monthly income

d. Immigration documents (if applicable)

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STEP 4. Schedule a meeting with My Medicare Solution.

Avoid last-minute stress by contacting us when you first know you will need individual medical coverage. We will work out the timing together.

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STEP 5. Submit an initial payment

In order for your coverage to begin, you will need to submit a pre-payment, also called a “binder payment” within 30 days of the enrollment. If you’re having trouble setting up the payment, let us know and we can help.

We’re here to help you through the entire process. Reach out to schedule a free consultation and we’ll work together to find a plan that suits your unique needs and budget.