Missed the Healthcare Deadline? Don’t Skip on Coverage

The recent rush to meet the Affordable Care Act (ACA) deadline has left some people wondering if they’ve missed out on coverage for 2018. The good news is that there are still options available for those who missed the December 15th deadline.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

If you missed the open enrollment period, you may still be able to qualify for an SEP. These periods are typically granted for certain life events, such as:

Loss of health coverage
Birth or adoption of a child
Marriage or divorce
Change in income or employment

Medicaid

Medicaid is a government program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families. Income eligibility varies by state, so it’s important to check with your state’s Medicaid agency to see if you qualify.

CHIP

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health insurance to children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. Income eligibility also varies by state, so be sure to check with your state’s CHIP agency.

Private Insurance

While the open enrollment period has ended, you can still purchase private health insurance outside of the Marketplace. However, you may have to pay a penalty for not having coverage for the entire year.

Extended Deadlines

Some states have their own health insurance marketplaces with extended deadlines. For example, Minnesota’s MNSure has an extended deadline of January 31st, 2023.

What to Do If You Missed the Deadline

If you missed the open enrollment period, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take:

Contact your state’s Medicaid or CHIP agency to see if you qualify for government assistance.
Consider purchasing private health insurance outside of the Marketplace.
Check with your employer to see if they offer health insurance options.
If you qualify for an SEP, contact your health insurance company as soon as possible to start the process.

Don’t skip on health coverage. Having health insurance is essential for protecting your health and finances in the event of an unexpected illness or injury. Even if you missed the open enrollment period, there are still options available for you to get the coverage you need.