How Do I Buy an Individual Health Insurance Plan?

There are two times when you can buy health insurance — during open enrollment and special enrollment. 

Open enrollment starts on Nov. 1 each year and runs for a limited time. This is when anyone can sign up for an individual and family plan.

Outside of open enrollment, you may be able to sign up under special enrollment. To buy health insurance during special enrollment, you must have a qualifying "life event" within 60 days. Examples include losing your job, moving to a new area, getting married or adding a child to your family.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana offers tools to help you find a plan that's right for you. Use the Provider Finder^® and our shopping site to see your choices. They make shopping for health insurance simpler. Visit bcbsmt.com to view and compare the BCBSMT family and individual health insurance plans available to you — even plans offered on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Under Find Care on our website, you can look for in-network doctors who are with the plan you're thinking about buying. If you already have a doctor you want to stay with, use the tool to see if your current doctor or medical group is in-network for the plan you’re considering.

A premium tax credit based on things like your income and family size is offered by the government. If you're eligible, it can help you pay less on your monthly bill. You can use our shopping site to learn if you qualify and apply your savings.

If you take any prescription drugs, check the drug lists to see if and how the plan covers your medications.

After you choose a plan that fits your budget, medical and prescription drug needs, track your application status with application tracker. 

Visit our website to shop plans, or if online shopping isn’t your thing, give us a call instead at 855-591-1515.