Open Enrollment for health insurance usually occurs between November and December, but what if you miss that window? Are you stuck without health insurance for the rest of the year? The answer is no. You can still get coverage after open enrollment if you qualify for special enrollment periods. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what qualifies you for a special enrollment period and how to get insurance after the regular open enrollment period has passed. You’ll also learn about other options for avoiding the penalty of not having health insurance. Read on to learn more.
What are the eligibility requirements for open enrollment?
If you are seeking insurance coverage during the open enrollment period, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify. These requirements vary by state, but generally speaking, you will need to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, have a Social Security number, and not be currently incarcerated. You will also need to provide proof of income and residency.
When is the open enrollment period?
The open enrollment period for health insurance is the time each year when you can sign up for or make changes to your health insurance coverage. The open enrollment period for 2019 is from October 1, 2018 to December 15, 2018. If you do not have health insurance during the open enrollment period, you may have to pay a fee.
Can I get insurance outside of open enrollment?
If you experience a qualifying life event, you may be able to enroll in a health insurance plan outside of the open enrollment period. Qualifying life events include losing health coverage, getting married, having a baby, and moving to a new state. If you have a qualifying life event, contact your insurance company or state marketplace to see if you’re eligible for a special enrollment period.
How do I sign up for open enrollment?
If you want to sign up for health insurance during the open enrollment period, you can do so through the Health Insurance Marketplace. You can also sign up for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time of year.
To sign up for health insurance through the Marketplace, you’ll need to create an account and fill out an application. The application will ask questions about your household size and income. You’ll also need to choose a health plan.
If you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you can apply online, by mail, or in person. To find out if you qualify, visit your state’s Medicaid website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can get insurance after open enrollment has ended if you qualify for a special enrollment period or if your state offers extended open enrollment. Additionally, some states offer additional benefits that may make it easier to purchase coverage outside of the open enrollment window. Before making any decisions about health insurance, be sure to research all of your options and speak with an agent who is knowledgeable about what type of coverage is best for you.
