Can You Get Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance for Only Part of the Year?

Planning for retirement is an important task, and understanding your health insurance options is a key part of the process. If you and your spouse are planning to spend five months in Europe each year, you may be wondering if it’s possible to have ACA health insurance for only the seven months you’ll be in the US.

What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a comprehensive health care reform law that was signed into law in 2010. The ACA aims to provide affordable health care coverage to all Americans, and has several key provisions, including:

– Guaranteed issuance: Insurance companies can’t deny coverage to anyone with pre-existing conditions.
– Essential health benefits: All ACA-compliant health plans must cover a set of essential health benefits, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription drugs.
– Subsidies: ACA provides subsidies to help low- and middle-income families afford health insurance.
– Tax penalties: Individuals who don’t have health insurance may have to pay a tax penalty.

Can I Get ACA Health Insurance for Only Part of the Year?

Yes, it is possible to get ACA health insurance for only part of the year. However, you will need to enroll during the open enrollment period, which runs from November 1st to January 15th each year. If you miss the open enrollment period, you will not be able to get ACA health insurance until the next open enrollment period, unless you have a qualifying life event, such as losing your job or moving to a new state.

How Do I Enroll in ACA Health Insurance?

You can enroll in ACA health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is a government-run website that allows you to compare plans and prices from different insurance companies. You can also enroll in ACA health insurance through a licensed insurance agent or broker.

What are the Costs of ACA Health Insurance?

The cost of ACA health insurance will vary depending on your income, age, and other factors. However, there are subsidies available to help low- and middle-income families afford coverage.

Is ACA Health Insurance Right for Me?

If you are planning to spend part of the year outside of the US, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance instead of ACA health insurance. Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses, lost luggage, and other travel-related emergencies.