Purchase On and Off Exchanges

How to Purchase On & Off Exchanges

Any health insurance plan that is available ON the exchange for January 1, 2014 will also be available OFF the exchange at the same price.  The State Insurance Department is encouraging people to take advantage of the fact that you can purchase On and Off the exchange using brokers.  There will be no difference in your price.  Brokers are paid commission by the carriers and commissions are built in to all prices.  There is no good reason to purchase on the exchange if you don’t qualify for a subsidy.  There are also 4 additional carriers, for a total of 7 carriers, available OFF the exchange for January 1, 2014.  Companies are still filing plans and rates with the state.  Although all EXCHANGE plans need to be finalized by October 1, 2013, near the end of October will be the best time to review ALL available options off of the exchange.  These plans do not have the same filing deadline.