Using Stride for Finding Individual Health, Dental or Vision Insurance
In this article
Background
If you don’t have access to employer-sponsored insurance, you can still get covered. Stride is a free online insurance marketplace for independent contractors, freelancers, gig and part-time workers, and employees without employer-sponsored coverage.
Stride connects you with:
- ACA-compliant health insurance that covers essential benefits like preventive care, prescriptions, and mental health services with over 200 major carriers.
- Dental insurance for routine checkups, cleanings, and major dental needs.
- Vision insurance for exams, glasses, and contacts.
Cost of Using Stride
Stride is free to use, and you’ll get free unbiased help from Stride’s team if you have any questions. The only cost you’ll pay is the premiums of the insurance you select, with no hidden fees.
Enrollment Periods
- Open Enrollment Period (OEP): This is the most common time for individuals to enroll in a new health plan or switch existing plans. For plans offered through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, enrollment typically occurs annually in the fall, with coverage beginning on January 1st of the following year, although this can vary by state.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Outside of the open enrollment period, individuals may qualify for a special enrollment period, (SEP), if they have had certain qualifying life events. These events can trigger a 60-day window to enroll in or change health insurance. Common qualifying life events include:
- Loss of other health coverage: This could be due to job loss, divorce, aging off a parent’s plan, or a plan ending.
- Changes in household size: Marriage, birth or adoption of a child, or divorce can all make you eligible for an SEP.
- Changes in residence: Moving to a new county or state that offers different health plans.
- Changes in income: Significant changes in income that affect eligibility for subsidies or Medicaid.
How to Use Stride to Find Insurance
To apply for a health insurance plan through Stride, follow these steps:
- Answer a few quick questions about your household, income, and location.
- Get matched with plans available in your area.
- Review cost estimates, including potential federal subsidies that may reduce your premium.
- Apply directly through Stride.
- Receive your insurance card and plan details directly from the insurance provider.
After Enrollment
Once enrolled, your insurance ID card will be sent to you by your provider. For any questions regarding billing, claims, or coverage, please reach out to your insurance company directly. Stride can be a valuable resource for exploring new options during future enrollment periods.
Stride Worker FAQs
No. It’s free to browse and apply through Stride. Your only cost is the monthly premium you pay to the insurance provider.
You can use the platform to compare and receive personalized recommendations without any pressure to enroll in a plan.
Not always. If you’ve experienced a qualifying life event (like losing other coverage or moving), you may qualify for Special Enrollment.
Your insurance provider. Stride helps you find and enroll in coverage, but plan management is handled by the insurer.
Yes. Stride estimates subsidy eligibility during the application process, which can lower your monthly costs.
Your monthly insurance premiums are determined by several factors, including your income, the size of your household, your geographical location, and the specific type of plan you choose. Federal subsidies may be available to significantly reduce these costs. It’s important to note that all premium payments will be made directly to your insurance provider, not to Stride.
Stride Employer FAQs
No. Stride is for individuals, but employers can direct workers to Stride if they don’t offer group coverage.
Stride assists your workers in finding suitable individual and family health insurance plans, especially if you do not offer employer-sponsored health insurance. It simplifies the application process and helps them identify potential tax credits to reduce coverage costs, as well as assess Medicaid eligibility.
No, it does not cost you or your workers anything to estimate their potential savings or shop for plans using Stride.
Stride is an official HealthCare.gov partner, offering the same plans and prices as HealthCare.gov and other state marketplaces.
Stride provides personalized support to help your workers find the best insurance plans and save money by securing the best prices. They consider each person’s financial and medical situation, showing all available choices and offering ongoing assistance to maximize benefits.
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