For 2016, Highmark discontinued most of its individual plans available both on the Marketplace and directly through Highmark. If you were in one of these plans, you were automatically enrolled in their Off-Marketplace Bronze level plan with a $6,000 individual deductible.
This means that, if you enrolled directly with Highmark, you want to look at the benefits of your new plan and reconsider whether or not they fit your needs. If you enrolled through the Marketplace and received a subsidy in 2015, you will now be in an Off-Marketplace plan with no subsidy. This means that your premium may go up and your benefits may not be as good as they were last year. You will want to re-enroll in a different On-Marketplace plan as soon as possible.
If you did get auto-enrolled into the Bronze plan unintentionally, you have until January 31st to make a change. If you enroll in a different plan by 1/15, your new plan will go into effect on 2/1/16. If you enroll between 1/15 and 1/31, the new plan will go into effect on 3/1/16. If you do not enroll in a new plan by January 31st, you will be stuck in the auto-enrolled plan for the entire year.
As always, contact us to figure out your best option and we can help clear up any confusion before these fast-approaching deadlines.