What changes will I see to my policy?
The following changes went into effect when your plan was last renewed – either April 1 or July 1, 2011.
All Individual plans now include:
- No limit on the amount of in-network health care coverage you can get in your lifetime on most benefits.
- Coverage of dependents up to age 26.
Non-grandfathered Individual plans also have these adjustments:
- Preventive care covered at 100 percent in-network, meaning you won't have to pay anything out of your pocket if you use providers in the network. The preventive coverage on HealthPartners Individual plans matches the federal government's standard for all health plans.
- Guaranteed issuance of policies to dependents age 18 and younger.
You received a notice of the changes about six weeks before they occurred. If you’re not sure when your health plan renewed, check the upper right-hand corner of your HealthPartners Member ID card where it says "Renewal Mo."
Also, if you have an Empower Plan with a Health Savings Account, most over-the-counter medicines are no longer eligible for HSA reimbursement without a doctor's prescription. Over-the-counter medicines include medicines you can get without a prescription, like ibuprofen or cold medicine. This change went into effect on January 1, 2011.
When will everyone be required to have coverage?
Individuals are required to have coverage starting in 2014. At that time, those who do not have health insurance may have to pay a fine. We expect to get more information about how this will work over the next several years.
What is a "grandfathered" plan?
A grandfathered plan is a plan that existed on March 23, 2010 (the date that health care reform was signed into law). In addition, you cannot have made any substantial changes to your plan since March 23, 2010 (for example, changed to a different deductible).
Grandfathered plans are exempt from some health care reform requirements. You can add dependents to existing grandfathered plans; however, no new grandfathered policies can be purchased.
How will I know if I'm on a grandfathered plan?
If you are on a grandfathered plan, you will receive a notice with your plan renewal information prior to your renewal date. If you want to retain grandfathered status, there will be limited changes you can make to your plan in the future. Please contact HealthPartners Individual Sales at 952-883-5599 or 877-838-4949 if you have questions.
When can my child age 18 or younger join my plan?
Your child age 18 or younger can enroll at any time and be accepted onto your policy. He/she will have to go through the underwriting process and complete a full health history.
How long can I keep my dependents on my Individual plan?
Dependents can remain on your plan until they turn 26 years old. You can add dependents up to age 26 onto your HealthPartners Individual plan at any time.
Are there any situations where I can't add a child that is under age 26 to my plan?
Generally, if your plan offers dependent coverage, you can add your children onto your policy regardless of whether they are financially dependent on you, live with you, are a student or are married.
What if I previously reached my lifetime limit?
If you are still eligible for your plan, you’ll be able to get health care benefits again on your policy's next renewal (either April 1 or July 1, 2012). If you previously reached the lifetime limit on a HealthPartners Individual plan and then left the plan, you will need to reapply and go through the underwriting process again.
Will the limits on the amount of coverage I can get per year go away?
Yes, by 2014 you will not have a limit on the amount of coverage you can get per year on most benefits.
How can I get the latest information on health care reform?
We encourage you to check back here often. You can also view the government’s official health care reform page at healthcare.gov.