What you should know about the Special Enrollment Period.
Open Enrollment for 2018 will end on January 31st, 2018. Beginning February 1st, 2018, you can enroll in or change a 2017 Health Insurance plan – but only if you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. These life changes can include the following.
Changes in Your Household
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you or anyone in your household in the past 60 days:
- Got married – Pick a plan by the last day of the month and your coverage can start the first day of the next month.
- Had a baby, adopted a child, or placed a child for foster care – Your coverage can start the day of the event — even if you enroll in the plan up to 60 days afterward.
- Got divorced or legally separated and lost health insurance – Please note that a divorce or legal separation without losing coverage doesn’t qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Death – You’ll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if someone on your Marketplace plan dies and as a result you’re no longer eligible for your current health plan.
Changes in Residence
Household moves that qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period:
- Moving to a new home in a new ZIP code or county
- Moving to the U.S. from a foreign country or United States territory
- 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
However, moving only for medical treatment or going on vacation doesn’t qualify you to enroll in a Special Enrollment Period.
It’s also worth noting that you must prove you had qualifying health coverage for one or more days during the 60 days before your move. You don’t need to provide proof if you’re moving from a foreign country or United States territory.
Loss of Health Insurance
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you or anyone in your household lost qualifying health coverage in the past 60 days OR expects to lose coverage in the next 60 days.
Here at Donald Weiss Insurance Services, we strive to provide insurance services that meet your needs and budget. Our agents represent multiple carriers and can pair you to the coverage that you need to protect yourself and those you love. We can help you with all of your health insurance needs! To learn more about your insurance options, contact us today!
