What Happens If I Miss the ACA Window?
If you miss the yearly open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance, you may have trouble finding affordable health insurance. This is because ACA-compliant health insurance plans are only available for purchase during the open enrollment period, which typically runs from November 1st to January 15th.
What are my options if I miss the ACA window?
If you miss the ACA open enrollment period, you may have a few options for getting health insurance:
COBRA: COBRA allows you to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months after you lose your job. However, COBRA can be expensive, and you will have to pay the full cost of your premiums.
Medicaid: Medicaid is a government health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. If you qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to get free or low-cost health insurance.
The Marketplace: You may be able to purchase a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace even if you miss the open enrollment period. However, you may have to pay a higher premium if you purchase a plan outside of the open enrollment period.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
If you do not have health insurance, you could be fined by the IRS. The penalty for not having health insurance is $2,000 per adult and $500 per child. For example, a family of four could face a penalty of $9,000 for not having health insurance.
What should I do if I miss the ACA window?
If you miss the ACA open enrollment period, you should contact a licensed insurance agent to discuss your options. They can help you find a health insurance plan that meets your needs and budget.
If you qualify for Medicaid or other government assistance programs, you should contact your state’s Medicaid office.
It is important to remember that health insurance is essential for protecting your health and financial well-being. If you do not have health insurance, you should take steps to get covered as soon as possible.
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