Beginning October 1, 2013, many South Carolina residents will be able enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through the new Health Insurance Marketplace. Many South Carolina residents will also qualify for health plan subsidies to help pay for health insurance premiums.

Of course, choosing and enrolling in a Qualified Health Plan is a very important decision! Once you choose a plan, you will be “locked in” until the next open enrollment. Whether you live in Greenville, Charleston, Florence, or Aiken, WE CAN HELP you choose the health insurance plan that works best for you! We are certified by CMS as Federal Facilitated Marketplace agent/brokers. By working with a certified agent, you will receive expert advice at NO EXTRA COST to you! All health insurance premiums are set by the State and Federal government, and insurers cannot charge more for working with an agent.

For 2014, South Carolina will have 4 insurance carriers offering Qualified Health Plans: Bluecross Blue shield of SC, Bluechoice SC, Coventry, and Consumers Choice Health plan. Although health plan designs will follow ACA guidelines, health plan offerings from each of these carriers will vary greatly in many respects. One of the biggest differentiators between plans will be networks. Some plans will have very strict, HMO style networks, with limited choices of providers. Many HMO style plans may not allow out of network benefits – this is a very important consideration when choosing a plan! In addition, some plans may offer individual only coverage – this could present additional deductibles and out of pocket costs for families. Once again, I must stress that these factors make working with an agent imperative. Feel free to contact us directly for help, or if you just have some questions – we are here to help!

For more information on health plan subsidies, visit our sister site – myhealthplansubsidy.com