1. Should I care about health insurance?
Yes! Health insurance is important for better health. Those with health insurance are more likely to receive preventive health care, such as screenings and annual exams, and are less likely to go to the Emergency Department for non-emergency needs.
(Note that some individuals can enroll later due to “life changes,” which may include death, divorce, birth or a change in employer coverage.)
2. Can I just wait to sign up if I get sick or injured?
No, health insurance is not retroactive and will not cover care that has already been provided.
3. Will I save money? Can I get a discount?
Most Montanans qualify for lower premiums or some financial assistance on health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, in the form of tax credits to offset the monthly premium cost for coverage or discounts on the costs when medical services are received for persons with incomes between 138% and 400% of Federal Poverty Level. For example, one person may qualify for lower monthly premium costs with an estimated household income from $20,783 to $60,240. Learn about more affordable health insurance options at www.healthcare.gov.
4. Can I see my favorite doctor?
Probably, but it’s important to make sure your favorite doctor(s), providers, hospital and pharmacy are in-network in your chosen insurance plan before you enroll.
For 2025, Billings Clinic is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and PacificSource plans, and is in-network in Mountain Health CO-OP Connect plans.
However, Billings Clinic is out-of-network in Mountain Health CO-OP Rocky Mountain plans and is a Tier 2 provider in the Mountain Health CO-OP Plus plans, which means you will pay more to receive services at Billings Clinic.
5. Are my medications covered?
To be sure, we recommend that you check with the insurance company(ies) you are considering to see if your medications are covered by the plan’s “formulary.” The formulary is the list of prescribed medications covered by an insurance plan.
6. Can I pay less for my kid’s health insurance?
It’s very possible. Many children qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Healthy Montana Kids or your state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program. You can find out if you qualify for Healthy Montana Kids or for financial assistance on a family health insurance plan by going to www.healthcare.gov.
7. If I have Medicare, do I need to do something for the Health Insurance Marketplace?
No, you don’t need to do anything. If you have questions about Medicare, please call our certified counselors at 406-238-2601.
8. Can I change the insurance plan I already picked?
If you enrolled for 2024, you can change to another plan for 2025, or re-enroll in the plan you are in now. Once you enroll for 2025, it may be difficult to change your plan.
9. This is confusing. How can I get help?
Billings Clinic has Certified Application Counselors (CACs) who can assist you with questions or help you enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call our Certified-Application Counselors at 406-238-2601 or toll-free at 1-800-332-7156, ext. 2601. Scheduled appointments are available.
In addition, there are CACs and Navigators available at many other health care organizations, hospitals and communities in our region. To find local help near you or for more information, go to:
Billings Clinic has been designated as a Certified Application Counselor Designated Organization. To learn more about the Health Insurance Marketplace and options for affordable coverage, call Patient Financial Services at 406-238-2601.
At Billings Clinic, we value our patients and are very careful in the way we safeguard personal health information. Our privacy notice describes our policies concerning health information and our commitment to protect the privacy of our patients. Read our PRIVACY NOTICE FOR INSURANCE EXCHANGE MARKETPLACE or read our complete PATIENT PRIVACY NOTICE.
