Fall is officially here with its beautiful foliage, football games, crisp, clean air and comfort foods. Have you had something pumpkin flavored yet? Was it a latte, donut or maybe a pancake? The holidays are right around the corner chock full of fun festivities to look forward to. On top of all these wonderful things, it’s also open enrollment time. That time of year we must re-evaluate our current health care insurance plans and select what will work best for the upcoming year. For some of us, our current plans may no longer be offered. For others, our health or family situations may have changed. Now is the time to do some research to determine what will be the best fit for you in 2017.

OCA Benefits – Do your research

As a member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, special health insurance benefits have been put in place for you. AIS and the OCA have worked together to create packages and options tailored specifically to your needs. No matter what you are currently enrolled in for health insurance, all members should visit www.OCAmemberbenefits.com to research all that is available. You can get quotes, compare options and enroll when you are ready. You will be asked to enter your zip code, and then you can sort through all that is available to you. Navigating by network, insurance carrier or plan types makes it easy. Spend some time exploring your options. Subsidies through the Federal Marketplace can also be applied for directly through this website. Jot down questions or concerns. Narrow down your feasible choices and compare and contrast the differences. Doing your research now can often help alleviate billing and coverage questions in the future.

AIS is there for you

Not only are you backed by the OCA, but AIS is also here to help with your insurance needs. Should you run into questions about your current coverage or potential benefits options, AIS is your resource. Call on them for help to ensure you understand what your health insurance covers. In addition, AIS can help with your group insurance needs. If you own a small farm with employees or a business, AIS can put together a group insurance benefits package to fit your needs.

Keep in mind that penalties will be in place in 2017 if you do not have health insurance coverage. The exact amount has not yet been released. Also, changes to individual insurance policies can only be made during open enrollment. Qualifying situations such as a birth of a child, adoption of a child, marriage, divorce, death, child turns 26, relocation or if dependents have other coverage that they lose, must be met to make changes outside of the open enrollment time period. There are of course limitation and time requirements to these situations. Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017. December 15, 2016 is the last day to enroll for a plan to be in effect on January 1, 2017. Remember to visit www.OCAmemberbenefits.com to research options and to call AIS (913) 397-9400 with questions or group insurance needs. AIS and the OCA are your partners in health.