I Missed the Open Enrollment Period. Can I Still Get Health Insurance?

Open Enrollment

Insurance can be a little confusing at times.  There are so many different terms that get thrown around that many of us just don’t understand, and that’s ok.  One of these terms is the Open Enrollment Period.  The enrollment period is a set portion of the year where people who don’t receive coverage from their employer are able to purchase health insurance.  Open Enrollment runs from November 1st to January 15th.  This enrollment window was made into law by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010.  Each year, our agency Berlin & Denys, assists thousands of people in signing up for coverage or renewing their existing plans during Open Enrollment. 
 
Special Enrollment
 
If you missed the January 15th deadline to enroll in coverage, you still have options.  A Special Enrollment occurs any time someone signs up for health insurance outside of Open Enrollment.  Special Enrollments are permitted after certain life events, such as the following: Getting married, getting divorced, having a baby, loosing health insurance through an employer, or moving to a new zip code.  Last year, CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) announced a wide-ranging Special Enrollment Period from March 15th-August 15th, 2021.  This Special Enrollment Period, which has since ended, was instituted because of the Covid-19 crisis, and allowed anyone regardless of income or circumstance to enroll in coverage.  In March of this year, CMS announced another Special Enrollment Period for families whose incomes fall under 150% of the federal poverty level.  Check out the chart below to see if you and your family qualify.

Speak to an Agent to See if You Qualify

There is no cost to speak to an agent about your options.  Many people assume they don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and just go without coverage.  Our agents are highly trained and have years of experience.  Give us a call today and one of our agents will walk you through the process of getting a Special Enrollment.  And if no coverage is available for you until the next Open Enrollment, we will be honest and up front about it and advise you accordingly.  Our office is open 8:30am-5:00pm weekdays.  If you are calling outside business hours, please just leave us a message and you will promptly be contacted the next morning.  We offer both in person and virtual appointments.  You can reach us at 800-946-3303 or at [email protected]. 
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