ACA Special Enrollment Period: A Lifeline for Americans Returning from Abroad

As an American citizen returning to the United States, you may find yourself in need of health insurance coverage for a short period of time before your new insurance plan kicks in. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides a special enrollment period (SEP) that allows you to enroll in a qualified health plan outside of the open enrollment period.

Special Enrollment Period for Returning Americans

When you move back to the US after a long stay in a foreign country, you are eligible for a SEP. This means that you can apply for ACA health insurance outside of the traditional open enrollment period, which typically runs from November 1 to January 15.

Qualifying for the SEP

To qualify for the SEP, you must meet the following criteria:

You must be a US citizen or legal resident who has been living outside the US for an extended period of time.
You must have had qualifying health coverage (such as employer-sponsored insurance) for at least one day during the 60 days before your move back to the US.
You must apply for coverage within 60 days of your move back to the US.

Applying for Coverage

To apply for health insurance under the SEP, you can visit HealthCare.gov or contact a licensed agent. You will need to provide proof of your US citizenship or legal residency and a copy of your passport or visa. You may also need to provide proof of your previous health insurance coverage.

Benefits of the SEP

The SEP provides a number of benefits, including:

You can enroll in a qualified health plan outside of the open enrollment period.
You can get coverage that starts as soon as the first of the following month.
You may be eligible for premium subsidies and tax credits.

Limitations of the SEP

It is important to note that the SEP has some limitations:

You must apply for coverage within 60 days of your move back to the US.
You may have to wait up to 30 days for your coverage to start.
You may have to pay a higher premium if you enroll outside of the open enrollment period.

Seeking Help

If you are not sure if you qualify for the SEP or need help applying for coverage, we recommend that you speak with a licensed insurance agent. They can help you understand your options and guide you through the application process.

By taking advantage of the SEP, you can ensure that you have access to quality health care coverage as soon as you return to the US.