What is a Qualifying Life Event?
If you lose your job or your health insurance coverage changes, you may be able to sign up for an ACA plan outside of the open enrollment period. This is known as a qualifying life event. Other qualifying life events include:
Getting married or divorced
Having a baby or adopting a child
Moving to a new state
Losing your job-based health insurance
How to Sign Up for an ACA Plan
To sign up for an ACA plan, you can go to HealthCare.gov or contact a licensed health insurance agent. You will need to provide information about your income, household size, and other factors. You may be eligible for financial assistance to help you pay for your health insurance premiums.
What to Do if You Lose Your Job
If you lose your job, you should contact your health insurance company as soon as possible. You may be able to continue your coverage through COBRA, which allows you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months. However, you will have to pay the full cost of the premiums yourself.
You may also be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, which are government health insurance programs for low-income individuals and families. To find out if you qualify, you can contact your state Medicaid office.
How to Find Affordable Health Insurance
If you are not eligible for financial assistance, there are still ways to find affordable health insurance. You can shop around for plans from different insurance companies, and you can also consider high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). HDHPs have lower monthly premiums, but they also have higher deductibles. This means that you will have to pay more out of pocket for medical expenses before your insurance coverage kicks in.
If You Need Help
If you need help signing up for an ACA plan or finding affordable health insurance, you can contact a licensed health insurance agent. Agents can help you compare plans and find the best coverage for your needs.
Question? or Need a Free Quote?
Contact Us
Reach out to us for free expert insurance advice and solutions. We will help you solve ACA (Obamacare) related questions and problems. Will contact you within 24 hours of receiving your message.