Lost Health Coverage? Here’s What You Need To Know About Qualifying Events

Losing health coverage can be a stressful experience, especially during uncertain times like these. If you’ve lost your coverage and are wondering what your options are, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation, but there are steps you can take to find affordable health insurance.

What is a Qualifying Event?

A qualifying event is a life change that makes you eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period. These events include:

Losing your job-based health insurance
Getting married or divorced
Having a baby or adopting a child
Moving to a new state
Turning 26 and no longer being eligible for your parents’ plan

If you’ve experienced one of these qualifying events, you have a special enrollment period to enroll in a health insurance plan. This period typically lasts 60 days from the date of the event.

What if I Don’t Have a Qualifying Event?

If you don’t have a qualifying event, you can still get health insurance through the Marketplace. However, you’ll have to wait until the Open Enrollment Period, which runs from November 1st to January 15th.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’re eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you can enroll in these programs at any time. You may also be able to get coverage through a special enrollment period if you’re experiencing a hardship, such as a job loss or a medical emergency.

What are My Options if I Don’t Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?

If you don’t qualify for a special enrollment period, you have a few options:

You can purchase a short-term health insurance plan. These plans are less comprehensive than ACA-compliant plans, but they can provide some coverage in the event of a medical emergency.
You can enroll in a catastrophic health insurance plan. These plans have high deductibles, but they can provide coverage for major medical expenses.
You can wait until the Open Enrollment Period and enroll in a health insurance plan at that time.

How Can I Find Affordable Health Insurance?

If you’re struggling to find affordable health insurance, there are several resources available to help you.

You can visit HealthCare.gov to compare plans and find out if you qualify for subsidies.
You can contact a licensed insurance agent or broker. They can help you find a plan that meets your needs and budget.
You can check with your state’s Medicaid or CHIP program to see if you qualify for coverage.

Losing health coverage can be a challenge, but it’s important to remember that you have options. By understanding your rights and exploring your options, you can find affordable health insurance that meets your needs.