Did you miss the open enrollment period?
You, like many Americans, may have missed it. And that’s okay. Unfortunately, it is not surprising. This happens to many people who were not aware that the time for open enrollment came and passed. Fortunately for you, there are some great options outside of open enrollment to consider.
Know Your State’s Open Enrollment Deadline
Not all states have the same deadline. As you’ll see below, the majority of states have a December 15 deadline. Don’t assume you fall under this category!
Do your research. Better yet, contact an insurance provider for professional assistance.
If you reside in one of the 36 states that use healthcare.gov, then you have a December 15 deadline.
The 3 following states have permanently extended their open enrollment period:
- California: November 1 to January 31
- Colorado: November 1 to January 15
- District of Columbia: November 1 to January 31
Find the other state-run exchange enrollment deadline extensions below:
- Minnesota: November 1 to December 22, 2020
- Pennsylvania: November 1, 2020, to January 15, 2021
- Nevada: November 1, 2020, to January 15, 2021
- Washington: November 1, 2020, to January 15, 2021
- Massachusetts: November 1, 2020, to January 23, 2021
- Rhode Island: November 1, 2020, to January 23, 2021
- New Jersey: November 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021
- New York: November 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021
Options Outside of Open Enrollment
Missing the window may be frustrating. But there are additional options outside of open enrollment.
Special Enrollment
There are always circumstances that allow for special enrollment. Make sure to check the specifications for timelines and acceptable documentation. Further information can be found at healthcare.gov or your state-run health coverage website.
Have you moved? If you had insurance prior to your move, then you may be eligible for special enrollment. If you think this may help you qualify, make sure to confirm through your state-run insurance.
Did you lose your health coverage? If this happened in the last 60 days, you are likely eligible for special enrollment. Even if you lost coverage over 60 days ago, you’re not necessarily out of luck. If you were unable to enroll sooner due to COVID-19 or a FEMA declared emergency, you may still be eligible.
Have you gained or become a dependent due to adoption, foster care placement, or court order? Check out the list of acceptable documents to confirm your need for special enrollment.
Did you walk down the aisle? If you were recently married, then that can call for special enrollment. However, there are requirements. Therefore, make sure you check with your state-run insurance program to confirm eligibility.
Did you apply for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) only to be denied once open enrollment closed? Fortunately, this is not the end of the road for health insurance this year. If you received a denial letter, then you may be eligible for special enrollment.
Have you gained access to an individual coverage HRA or QSEHRA? This doesn’t mean you are necessarily stuck with the policy you chose before this additional coverage came into play.
Besides insurance through the ACA Marketplace, private insurance is still an option. The most flexible option is a PPO plan.
Short Term Health Insurance
Did you miss the Open Enrollment window? Are you now realizing you don’t qualify for Special Enrollment? A short-term medical (STM) insurance policy may be what you need.
However, there are several reasons for looking into an STM policy. For instance, if you are in a transitional phase, signing up for a year-long policy might not make sense.
Do you fall under one or more of the below categories? Then an STM policy could be right for you.
- Waiting for your ACA coverage to start
- Looking for coverage to bridge you to Medicare
- Turning 26 and coming off your parent’s insurance
- Between jobs or waiting for benefits to begin at your new job
- Healthy and under 65
Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Is your income too high to qualify for Medicaid? Just because you earn too much for Medicaid doesn’t mean you can afford pricey policies.
CHIP is the low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. In some states, CHIP also covers pregnant women. Each state offers CHIP coverage. Additionally, CHIP works closely with its state Medicaid program.
Employer Coverage
Do you have the option of employer-sponsored health insurance? Then definitely check it out. Maybe this wasn’t your best option in the past. Or until now you’ve been on your parents’ or spouse’s insurance policy.
Whatever the case, if it is an option then you should find out all the details. Contact your employer or Human Resources department for information. You may even find out that their policy has changed. This time around, it could end up being your best option.
Diana Reeves Can Help You Find the Right Options Outside of Open Enrollment
Figuring out health plans may seem daunting, but you don’t have to go at it alone.
I specialize in navigating PPO options to get you the most flexible coverage at the best price. My customers want the best access to health care. They are hard workers. And want to spend their money wisely. By learning about you and your medical history, I’m able to educate you on your best health coverage options.
I want you to feel good about the decision you make. After all, this decision affects you and your family. I will walk you through the entire process.
And we will make sure you are aware of all the fine print. No surprises!
You won’t even have to dial that annoying 1-800 number! Say goodbye to being on hold when it comes to health insurance.
My team provides personalized service. We are available to clients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you are looking for a new policy, you don’t have to worry about a lapse in coverage. Diana Reeves Health Insurance will make sure there is no gap between your prior and new health insurance coverage.
We curate customizable health benefits packages. A new year can bring on new health coverage requirements. Our clients receive customizable plans that are adaptable to their changing lives.
