Are You Facing Trouble Getting Health Insurance Coverage? Here’s What You Should Do
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a complex piece of legislation that has been the subject of much debate and controversy. However, one of the ACA’s primary goals is to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for all Americans.
Special Enrollment Periods
Generally, you can only purchase health insurance through the Marketplace during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs from November 1st to January 15th. However, there are a number of exceptions to this rule, known as Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs).
You may qualify for a SEP if you have experienced a qualifying life event, such as:
> – Getting married or divorced
> – Having a baby or adopting a child
> – Losing your job or having your hours reduced
> – Moving to a new state
Qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period
If you think you may qualify for a SEP, you should contact your state’s Marketplace or a licensed insurance agent. They can help you determine if you qualify and walk you through the enrollment process. Avoiding paying a fee for coverage outside of the Open Enrollment Period requires you to have a “creditable coverage”
What is Creditable Health Coverage?
Basically, creditable coverage is health insurance that provides at least the minimum essential benefits required under the ACA. This includes coverage for essential health benefits like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
There are a number of different types of health insurance that qualify as creditable coverage, including:
> – Employer-sponsored health insurance
> – Marketplace health insurance
> – Medicaid
> – CHIP
> – Medicare
If you have creditable coverage, you will not have to pay a fee for coverage outside of the Open Enrollment Period. Moreover, you can avoid having a coverage gap.
What Should You Do?
If you have lost your health insurance coverage, you should contact your state’s Marketplace or a licensed insurance agent as soon as possible. They can help you determine if you qualify for a SEP and walk you through the enrollment process.
Don’t wait to get health insurance coverage. If you do, you may have to pay a fee for coverage outside of the Open Enrollment Period. Also, you may have a coverage gap, which means you will not be covered for any medical expenses you incur during that time.
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