business man sitting at a cafe discussing his health options on his cell phone

I Missed Open Enrollment and Need Health Coverage — What Are My Options?

2019-01-24
, , , , , , , Health and Wellness

The next official ACA Open Enrollment period isn’t slated to begin until November 1, 2019. But depending on your circumstances, you may not have to wait that long to obtain coverage.

Qualifying Life Events and Special Enrollment Periods

Sometimes our circumstances change, and if they change due to specific events, you and your dependents may be able to secure health insurance through a Special Enrollment Period. When this occurs, it is called a Qualifying Life Event, otherwise referred to as a QLE.

There are several types of Qualifying Life Events that may grant you a Special Enrollment Period. Some of the most common examples include:

  • Loss of health coverage
    • Losing existing health coverage – including job-based, individual, and student plans
    • Losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP
    • Turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent’s plan
  • Changes in household size
    • Getting married or divorced
    • Having a baby or adopting a child
    • Death in the family
  • Changes in residence
    • Moving to a different ZIP code or county
    • A student moving to or from the place they attend school
    • A seasonal worker moving to or from the place they both live and work
    • Moving to or from a shelter or other transitional housing
  • Other qualifying events
    • Changes in your income that affect the coverage you qualify for
    • Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe, or status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder
    • Becoming a U.S. citizen
    • Leaving incarceration (jail or prison)
    • AmeriCorps members starting or ending their service

Non-ACA Health Plans

Haven’t experienced a QLE but still need health coverage? A non-ACA health plan could be the answer. Also referred to as Short Term Medical Plans, recent legislative changes have loosened the restrictions surrounding these plans and have increased their appeal.

Previously, a Short-Term Medical plan could only provide coverage for up to 90 days. But due to recent regulatory changes, these plans can now be continued for up to a year.  Additionally, in some cases applicants may now renew their plan for up to three years.

Because Short-Term Medical Plans are considered non-ACA health plans, it is worth noting that they may not cover all that an ACA health plan would. For example, applicants could be denied coverage due to a pre-existing medical condition, maternity care may not be covered, and there could be an annual dollar limit on coverage. However, these plans are also typically less expensive than ACA plans and could be a good alternative for individuals seeking more affordable options.

Young biracial woman in business attire smiling on a cell phone on an overcast day

Need Health Insurance and Miss out on Open Enrollment?

2018-09-20
, , , , Health and Wellness

Your Guide to Understanding Qualifying Life Events and Special Enrollment

Life happens, and when it does, it is very likely that your health insurance coverage may need to change. When you encounter a qualifying life event that impacts your insurance needs, it is important to know that you can take advantage of a special enrollment period – since most people are unaware that they may enroll outside of open enrollment.
This guide is created to help you understand everything you need to know about qualifying life events and the special enrollment period. You will learn whether or not you qualify and what documents you will need prior to enrolling and shopping for coverage.

#1 Loss Of Coverage

Due To:

  • Termination of group coverage
  • Reduction of hours to part-time status
  • Loss of employer contribution
  • COBRA ending
  • REQUIRED PROOF: Letter from employer, Certificate of credible coverage

#2 Marital Status Change

Due To:

  • Marriage
  • Divorce
  • Legal separation
  • REQUIRED PROOF: Marriage Certificate or divorce/separation court documents, Certificate of credible coverage.

#3 Dependent Status Change

Due To:

  • Birth of a child
  • Adoption
  • Aged out of dependent status
  • REQUIRED PROOF: Child’s DOB, Legal adoption paperwork, Certificate of credible coverage.

#4 Moving

Permanently move to another state and/or no longer live in the existing/prior plan’s service area.

REQUIRED PROOF: New Mortgage Bill/Renter’s Agreement and drivers license, utility, Postal Service change of address receipt.

#5 Death

Your primary policyholder passed away leaving you with no coverage.

REQUIRED PROOF: Death Certificate, Copy of termination letter from prior insurance company.

#6 Income Change

That makes you newly eligible or ineligible for a tax credit.

REQUIRED PROOF: Copy of certificate of creditable coverage OR a copy of the termination letter from prior Insurance Company and/or federal or state agency.

#7 Non-Calendar Year

Your current plan ends on a non-calendar year basis.

REQUIRED PROOF: Copy of termination letter from prior insurance company OR Certificate of Credible Coverage Anytime that you enroll in a plan you will be asked to provide the following information:

  1. What was your qualifying event?
  2. What was the date of this event?
  3. You’ll be asked to submit supporting documents.

So how long is this special enrollment period? Typically, you only have 60 days from the QLE to enroll in a new plan due to ACA law, carriers are very strict on enrollment timelines.

Copyright © 2024 American Association of Business Networking. All rights reserved. Please note that ABN is an association. While we believe you will be pleased with your overall Association membership, we cannot, however, warrant or guarantee the performance of any discount or service.