There has been endless talk, in recent months, of healthcare, Obamacare, Affordable Care Act, open enrollment, and penalties, sending many Americans facing healthcare decisions into a state of confusion. What few have seemed to stress, is that once the calendar flips to April 1, 2014, you will no longer be able to purchase a qualified health plan until 2015. Strange as it may seem, it will technically be against the law for health carriers to sell the plans, that are available now, through March 31st. Open Enrollment is the period during which everyone can enroll in a health plan, or make changes from the prior year. It began October 1, 2013 and will end on March 31, 2014. After that date, only a qualifying life event will allow you to purchase a qualified health policy.
What are the Qualifying Life Events?
- Getting married
- Having or adopting a child
- Losing your health coverage due to a move, divorce, or job loss
- Permanently relocating to an area or state that offers different health coverage
It is good to note that losing your health coverage for lack of payment, or voluntarily quitting, is not considered loss of coverage. If you are accepted into Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), you may enroll at any time. There is no open enrollment period.
Questions about what may be right for you? Contact me for additional assistance.
Chryssoula DePuydt, owner, The DePuydt Agency, c@thedepuydtagency.com