HSRI: Open enrollment begins Tuesday

HEALTHSOURCE RI said open enrollment for individuals and families begins Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31.
HEALTHSOURCE RI said open enrollment for individuals and families begins Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31.

Open enrollment for HealthSource RI, the state’s health insurance exchange, begins Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31.
“We are pleased that many Rhode Islanders enrolled in health coverage through HealthSource RI will see their premiums decrease,” HealthSource RI Director Zach Sherman said in a statement. “With premiums expected to rise 22 percent on average nationally in the coming year, Rhode Island continues to stand out among states for ensuring access to high-quality, affordable care. We are also taking steps to improve customer service during this year’s open enrollment period, including through the addition of Saturday walk-in hours at our Contact Center.”
HSRI said Rhode Islanders enrolled through the exchange will see an average premium decrease of 0.6 percent in the individual/family market. In addition, premium rates for some plans offered through the exchange are expected to decrease by more than 5 percent.
In-person help is available at the HSRI walk-in center at 401 Wampanoag Trail in East Providence. Information is available online at HealthSourceRI.com or by calling 1-855-840-4774. HealthSource RI’s hours are Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday hours during open enrollment also will be from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the exceptions of the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and with limited hours on New Year’s Eve, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Current HealthSource RI customers have the option of being auto-renewed into their plan for 2017 or of picking a different option for the coming year.
More than two dozen 2017 health plans from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island are being offered on the exchange, as well as dental insurance plans from Blue Cross Dental and Delta Dental and Dentegra.
Rhode Islanders who want 2017 coverage to begin on Jan. 1 must pick a plan and pay for their coverage by Dec. 23. If auto-renewed, customers’ coverage will continue in 2017 as long as they pay their health insurance bill by Dec. 23.
In most cases, Rhode Islanders who do not have health insurance will have to pay a penalty when they file their federal taxes. That penalty could be as much as 2.5 percent of the individual or family’s household income next year.
Small employers who purchase coverage through HealthSource RI for Employers may enroll in health insurance coverage throughout the year at their regular renewal date.

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