Need health insurance? You may not have to wait for the ACA open enrollment
Though the unofficial end of summer is behind us, it still may seem a bit early to think about shopping for health insurance for next year. Under the Affordable Care Act, individual consumers can sign up for a new health plan or choose a different plan during the open enrollment period that runs from November 15, 2014, through February 15, 2015. However, you may not have to wait until open enrollment starts to enroll in a plan. Last month, Enroll America released a report finding that as many as seven million Americans who do not have health insurance could be eligible to sign up today. More than 61,000 of them are in Pennsylvania.
Though the unofficial end of summer is behind us, it still may seem a bit early to think about shopping for health insurance for next year. Under the Affordable Care Act, individual consumers can sign up for a new health plan or choose a different plan during the open enrollment period that runs from November 15, 2014, through February 15, 2015.
However, you may not have to wait until open enrollment starts to enroll in a plan. Last month, Enroll America released a report finding that as many as seven million Americans who do not have health insurance could be eligible to sign up today. More than 61,000 of them are in Pennsylvania.
The ACA allows a "Special Enrollment Period" that lets consumers who lose their coverage or experience a life change event apply for insurance at any time throughout the year. The most common reasons someone may be eligible to enroll without waiting are:
Getting married. Anyone can apply for individual health coverage up to 30 days before their wedding and up to 60 days afterward.
Welcoming a baby. Coverage is available for new parents and babies up to 60 days after the child is born. The same is true for adopting or placing a child for adoption.
Moving to the region. Someone with a new permanent residence has 60 days from the day they move to apply – or they can apply up to 30 days before the move.
Turning 26 and losing eligibility for coverage on a parents' health plan. Consumers can apply for a new plan up to 60 days before and 60 days after the end of coverage.
Losing current coverage. Up to 60 days before and 60 days after losing coverage, a consumer can apply for a new plan. Reasons for losing coverage may include the end of coverage through an employer, legal separation or divorce from a spouse, the end of eligibility for COBRA benefits, the loss of eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP, or the expiration of a current policy in 2014.
Becoming a U.S. citizen. A consumer can apply up to 30 days before and up to 60 days after gaining citizenship.
Those who enroll now have the same eligibility for tax credits to help pay for their premiums as those who wait until the open enrollment period. So there is no reason for anyone who is eligible to wait to sign-up for health insurance and gain the peace of mind that comes with it.
You can find answers to other questions about enrolling now for coverage and find out if you qualify for financial assistance, at www.ibx4you.com.
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