Many Americans have lost their jobs, have had to change jobs, and are simply struggling financially because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some have lost their health insurance or are now underinsured. In an effort to help, President Biden issued an Executive Order on January 28 that will provide a COVID-related Special Enrollment Period (SEP) beginning on February 15.
The Special Enrollment Period
The Special Enrollment Period will be open for 90 days, running from February 15 until May 15. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has said that this enrollment period will be open for individuals and families who wish to enroll in or change health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. In an effort to increase awareness of the Special Enrollment Period, CMS plans to spend $50 million on advertising campaigns.
What Applicants Can Do
In order to take advantage of this Special Enrollment Period, and enroll in a new plan or change your current plan, you will have to submit a new application or update existing applications. Once you submit your application, you will have 30 days to choose a plan. Coverage will begin the first of the month following the date of plan enrollment.
Because this is a Special Enrollment Period issued by the government, there will be none of the restrictions that typically come with a Special Enrollment Period; this SEP will more resemble an Open Enrollment Period than a normal Special Enrollment Period. During this SEP, you will be able to switch to any plan offered in your area. In addition, you will not have to choose the same level of coverage as your current plan, and you will not have to provide documentation of a qualifying event (for example, losing your job or getting married).
If you miss the May 15 deadline of this Special Enrollment Period, you will no longer be able to get health insurance unless you experience a qualifying life event, and will have to wait until the Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period begins November 1st.
Finding A Plan
This 3 month period will come and go quickly, so don’t wait to look for a plan if you need one! In order to better understand this Special Enrollment Period and your options, contact one of EZ.Insure’s local, licensed insurance agents. EZ has highly trained agents in your area and can compare plans in minutes for free. We will find a plan that provides the right amount of coverage and that fits your budget. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to one of our local agents, call 888-350-1890.