Journal Featured Article: MDA Health Plan November 2016 issue

By Craig Start, MDA
President, MDA Insurance

At this time, open enrollment for health insurance is in full swing. MDA Insurance offers a full menu of health insurance options to fit the unique needs of our member dentists, staff members and families—all from one reliable source.

Current MDA Health Plan participants: Open enrollment is ending Nov. 15

Open enrollment is ending Nov. 15 for MDA members who now participate in the MDA Health Plan for a Jan. 1 effective date. This is the deadline for your employees who do not now participate in the MDA Health Plan to join the plan, and for those who are already subscribers to add dependents or change plan selections, if you offer more than one plan.

Open enrollment is also when employers can change plans, perhaps by adding another plan option, or change their eligibility rules, termination rules or contribution levels. Please refer to the September 2016 MDA Journal cover story for extensive details on this and all MDA Health Plan options. If you have completed and returned the previously mailed rate renewal certification information, you should already have quotes for the 2017 plan year in hand. If not, call 877-906-9924 as soon as possible so we can assist you and secure your plans for 2017. 

Considering joining the MDA Health Plan?

Still deciding if the MDA Health Plan is right for you and your employees? There’s never been a better time to join. Apply by Dec. 1 for an effective date of Jan. 1, 2017. With nearly 4,000 participants, the self-insured MDA Health Plan continues to deliver value and is projected to exceed expectations again for 2017. We are modifying plans to make the program even more appealing and affordable for a wider variety of members and staff. Our exclusive plan was developed by MDA-member dentists, for MDA-member dentists, their families and their employees. Available only from MDA Insurance, MDA members enjoy exclusive access to a health program that offers many plan options at competitive prices.

Group Health Plans: Enroll any time

Although open enrollment is ending soon for MDA members who now participate in the MDA Health Plan, there are still many other health insurance options available to you. Group health plans can be started by employers at any time during the year. Choose from any of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network small group plans available. Most groups enroll by Nov. 30 or sooner to allow for the standard 30-day lead time for a Jan. 1 effective date. Starting in January has the advantage of allowing participants a full 12 months to satisfy any deductible and coinsurance obligations. But knowing you can start a group health plan at any time of the year makes it easy to fit the timeframe that works best for you.

Individual Health Insurance Plan choices made easy by MDA Insurance

Not eligible for a group health plan? Not to worry—dentists and their employees who are not members of a group health insurance plan can purchase an individual health plan to comply with the ACA’s individual mandate for health insurance. Purchasing an individual insurance plan can be extremely confusing but with the experienced guidance of MDA Insurance, the process is greatly simplified. The cost of an individual health plan is the same whether you receive assistance from MDA Insurance or do it all on your own or on the Marketplace. However, as a member of MDA, we not only will help you choose and purchase the right plan, but as your Blue Cross agent of record, we can assist you with claims or coverage issues after you’ve purchased your plan. We are here to help you every step of the way. Call MDA Insurance at 877-906-9924 or visit mdaprograms.com for assistance with all of your health plan questions.

Current MDA Health Plan Participants

Oct. 15 to Nov. 15 for changes effective Jan. 1, 2017.

New MDA Health Plan, BCBSM or BCN group health plans

Apply by Dec. 1 for effective date of Jan. 1, 2017.

Individual health plans

Such as MyBlue or subsidized health plans purchased through the online Marketplace:
Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2017.

• Apply Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 for a Jan. 1 effective date.
• Apply Dec. 16 to Jan. 15 for a Feb. 1 effective date.
• Apply Jan. 16 to Jan. 31 for a March 1 effective date.

Medicare Supplements

Individual Medicare supplemental plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans and prescription drug plan cards:

Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2016. All changes/enrollments are effective Jan. 1, 2017.