How to Get Health Insurance After Open Enrollment
For one reason or the other, you may miss the open enrollment period for a particular year. It is only normal to wonder how to get health insurance after open enrollment if this has ever happened to you. The open enrollment period allows you to register for a new health insurance plan or change an existing plan. Usually, you’ll have to wait until the next open enrollment period before you are allowed to register. However, there are other avenues you can explore to get a coverage after the lapse of the open enrollment period.
● Special enrollment period
● Short-term health insurance plan
● Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid
How to Get Health Insurance After Open Enrollment Special enrollment Period
Certain events, known as qualifying life events may make you eligible for a special enrollment period. Some of these events include:
● Marriage or divorce
● Birth or adoption of a child
● Loss of job
● Moving to another place with entirely different coverage options
● Losing your dependent status
● Involuntary cancellation of your health coverage by your provider
● Change in income that affects eligibility for tax credits
You are expected to apply for a new coverage within 60 days of the qualifying life event. You can expect the same privileges that come with purchasing your coverage during the open enrollment period.
Short-term Health Insurance Plan
A short-term health insurance plan provides an affordable coverage option when you need emergency coverage outside the open enrollment period. A short-term plan does not meet the ACA requirements. So, it doesn’t exempt you from a tax penalty. Furthermore, a short-term plan would not cover pre-existing conditions and it can only cover you for a specified length of time. However, the immediate coverage and affordability make it a decent option.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid
Although variations in eligibility, coverage, and other relevant details may exist from state to state, Medicaid insurance coverage is available all over the country. The eligible people may include people with disabilities, pregnant women, low-income earners, seniors, etc. CHIP is specially created for children from families that do not meet Medicaid requirements. You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP coverage even outside the open enrollment period. Due to the variations, you should contact the Medicaid agency in your state to know if you qualify and how to apply.
For more information please call Unifiedhealthmarket.com today at (800) 674-9103
