Open Enrollment help available during COVID-19

As Oklahomans begin the enrollment process for 2021 health insurance coverage on the retail marketplace, many are overwhelmed with trying to choose the best plan.  Many may be looking for the first time as they’ve lost their job and health insurance due to the pandemic. Others, who have gone without coverage in the past, are searching for plans in case they get sick with health complications from COVID-19.

Before the pandemic started in early 2020, Oklahoma already had the second-highest rate of uninsured residents nationwide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. An estimated 572,000 Oklahomans — about 14.3% of the state population — lack health insurance. There are also as many as 27 million people across the country that are at risk of losing their employer-sponsored health coverage as the outbreak continues to disrupt to economy and leads to job losses, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports. Those losing job-based coverage are eligible to enroll in coverage outside the annual open enrollment period.

With many Oklahomans looking to enroll on the health insurance marketplace for the first time, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) has a team of local, licensed health insurance specialists offering personalized, one-on-one enrollment assistance either in-person, by phone or virtually. They can also help people see if they qualify for financial help while finding the best plan to meet their needs.

For in-person assistance with a BCBSOK enrollment specialist, appointments are required in advance. Strict CDC guidelines and safety measures are in place to help keep everyone safe including masks, proper sanitizing and temperature checks.

The individual open enrollment period ends on December 15, 2020, with coverage beginning on January 1, 2021. To schedule an in-person appointment online or to speak with an Oklahoma enrollment specialist by phone or virtually, visit BlueNearYouOK.com