Loss of Health Insurance Due to Death of a Spouse: Steps to Take

Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional experience. The last thing you want to worry about is how to obtain health insurance coverage. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides special enrollment options for those who have experienced certain life events, including the death of a spouse.

What is Special Enrollment?

Special enrollment is a period outside of the regular enrollment period when you can enroll in a health insurance plan. This is typically available for a limited time following a qualifying life event, such as:

Losing health insurance due to the death of a spouse
Getting married
Having a baby
Moving to a new state

Eligibility for Special Enrollment

To be eligible for special enrollment due to the death of a spouse, you must meet the following criteria:

You were previously covered under your spouse’s health insurance plan.
Your spouse has passed away.
You lost your health insurance coverage as a result of your spouse’s death.

How to Enroll

If you qualify for special enrollment, you can enroll in a health insurance plan through the following methods:

Healthcare.gov: Visit the Healthcare.gov website and click on “Apply for health insurance.”
Call Center: Call 1-800-318-2596 to speak with a customer service representative.
Insurance Agent: Contact a licensed insurance agent who can assist you with the enrollment process.

Important Considerations

When enrolling in a health insurance plan through special enrollment, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

Deadline: You must enroll within 60 days of losing your health insurance coverage.
Coverage: Your coverage will start on the first of the month following the month you enroll.
Premiums: The premiums for your plan will depend on factors such as your age, income, and the type of plan you choose.

Conclusion

If you have lost health insurance due to the death of your spouse, the ACA provides you with special enrollment options. By enrolling in a new plan during this period, you can avoid the financial burden of being uninsured and ensure you have access to essential healthcare coverage. It is recommended to seek assistance from a licensed insurance agent to navigate the enrollment process and explore all available options.