When is open Enrollment?
Due to the significant impact of Covid-19, the Biden-Harris Administration extended the open enrollment for this year, giving people the opportunity to enroll in a healthcare plan for an extended period of of time. In most states, Open Enrollment will start November 1, 2021 and will end January 15, 2022. The states that use their own ACA (Affordable Care Act) exchange, however, differ in dates for their open enrollment period. This means that their closing date for open enrollment will differ in each state that uses their own Affordable Care Act exchange.
What if I miss my state’s open enrollment?
What happens if you missed your state’s open enrollment and still don’t have a health care plan? In case you miss your state’s open enrollment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The Special Enrollment Period allows people to enroll in an insurance plan past their state’s open enrollment period. However, in this case, you need to have in mind that there are certain life events that can help you qualify for SEP. These life events may include: the loss of a job along with your insurance, the birth of a new child, a sudden death, marriage, divorce, or moving. If you qualify for SEP then you will have 60 days to enroll in a health care plan. If you also miss the 60 day period then you will have to wait for the next OEP (Open Enrollment Period).
For the states that use their own Affordable Care Act exchange (ACA), they also have similar opportunities to qualify for a Special Open Enrollment. If you need more information on whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment in your state, contact a local Compass Insurance Advisors at no cost!
What if I do not qualify for SEP?
What if you do not qualify for SEP (Special Open Enrollment)? If you do not qualify for a SEP then you have the option to enroll in a Short-term insurance plan. You can enroll in a short-term insurance plan after an Open Enrollment Period is over. Short-term insurance can cover up to 364 days, so that’s basically an entire year. In most states they will allow you to re enroll in a short-term plan. Although short-term insurance plans are a good option, they are best suited for healthy people as they do not offer coverage for pre-existing conditions.
If you do not know the process on how to apply for health insurance, how to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) or would like to enroll in a Short-term health insurance, a Compass Health Insurance Advisor will help you through the process step by step. Advisors make enrolling in a health insurance plan easy and simple to understand. Speaking to one of our Advisors is always at no cost to you. Give us a call at (801)901-3519
