Do you need health insurance? Do you want to change your insurance plan? If so, you’re in luck! You could be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
President Biden signed an Executive Order creating a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. In most states the enrollment period lasts from February 15th through May 15th. I’ll help you understand who is eligible, differences across the states, and when your coverage will start.
Eligibility for Special Enrollment Period
Typically you can only enroll or change insurance coverage during the year if you experience certain life events, such as marriage or a move to a new area. But none of that is required for the Special Enrollment Period. That’s what makes it special!
You’re eligible to enroll in coverage if you:
- Are uninsured
- Have coverage under COBRA, but want a different plan
- Want to change from one Obamacare plan to another
States with Different Special Enrollment Dates
The enrollment period is February 15th through May 15th for states using the federal marketplaces on HealthCare.gov. Some states use a state-run program rather than the federal program. As a result, the following seven state-run programs have different ending dates. Here are the states and the last day to enroll:
- Connecticut – March 15
- Idaho – March 31 (Note: their enrollment period does not begin until March 1st)
- Washington, DC – through end of the pandemic emergency period (currently April)
- Massachusetts – May 23
- Minnesota – May 17
- New York – March 31
- Vermont – May 14
Enrollment in California
In addition to SEP, California offers financial help to people enrolling through Covered California. You may be eligible if you earn up to $76,560 or your family of four has a household income up to $157,200.
On the Covered California website, you will have the option to enroll online on your own, get help from a certified enroller, or call 1-800-300-1506 for assistance. The website also lists all of the documents you’ll need to have in order to complete the process.
You can find even more details about California’s SEP here.
When Coverage Starts
If you live in one of the 36 states that use the federal market place, your coverage will begin on the first of the month after you select a plan.
How long do you have to select a plan? Thirty days after you have submitted your application. Of course you don’t need to wait the full thirty days. If you research the plans before or during the enrollment process, you can select a plan when you enroll.
Not sure if your state uses a federal marketplace? Find out by looking at this list of all states and their marketplace type.
Don’t Miss Out
Normally, without a qualifying event, like a marriage or birth, you’d have to wait until the fall to enroll in one of these plans. But with the SEP, you can make the choice now to change plans or enroll in coverage. Don’t let this unique opportunity pass you by! Get covered before your state’s deadline.