special enrollment period Archives - Page 3 of 3

Health Insurance Coverage After Policy Owner Passes

When a loved one passes away, the last thing on your mind is your health insurance plan. But once you are ready to look into it, you might find that, unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of information about what to do with your plan after someone passes away. You should know that the death of either the policy owner or a dependent will affect your health plan. The plan might no longer meet your needs or could be too expensive for you to afford on your own; it could even be cancelled due to non-payment if you cannot afford it.

a stopwatch with the number 60 in red in front of it — *When a policy owner passes, you have a 60 day special enrollment period to enroll in a new plan or change plans.*

You do have the opportunity to change your plan, though: the death of the policy holder (or a dependent) is considered a Qualifying Life Event and will open up a Special Enrollment Period for you. This means that you will not have to worry about the affordability of your plan or about losing your health insurance coverage amid the tragedy. It is important to know all of your options so you can make the best decision about your healthcare plan.

What Is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

In most cases, you can only change your health insurance plan or purchase a new one during the Open Enrollment Period from November 1 through December 15. Outside of the OEP, you can no longer enroll or change your plan unless you experience a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. If you do experience a qualifying life event, you will have 60 days from the event to enroll in a plan. If you miss the 60 day window, you will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period.

Death Of A Policy Owner/Spouse

Having health insurance is important for you and your family, and it does not have to end with the unfortunate loss of your spouse. If you were on your spouse’s individual health insurance (NOT an employer-based plan), you can keep your policy even after the passing of your spouse. But if the plan is too expensive and you do not qualify for any subsidies, you can shop around for a new plan. The death of your spouse qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period, so you will be able to shop for a new plan, or change your existing coverage. You will have 60 days after the death to purchase a plan.

COBRA Insurance

If your spouse passes away, and you were on their employer-based plan, you can look into COBRA insurance through your spouse’s employer. With COBRA health insurance, you can keep the plan you had through your spouse’s employer for 36 months. One thing to be aware of is that you will need to pay 100% of the plan’s premiums, plus a 2% administrative fee. This means that you will be paying more for the same coverage, because your spouse’s employer will no longer pay a portion of the monthly premium.

Remember, you do not have to stay on your late spouse’s employer-based insurance plan. It is just an option to continue coverage, if need be. You can also decide to shop for a new plan on the Marketplace or through a private insurer.

Death Of A Dependent

The death of a dependent also qualifies your family for a Special Enrollment Period, as long as the dependent was on your health insurance plan. This applies even if your dependent did not contribute any income to your household. As with any qualifying life event, you will have 60 days to enroll in or change your health insurance plan after the death.

Losing a loved one is a tragic time that brings up not only a lot of emotions, but also a lot of questions. One of the questions you might have after dealing with the grief is what will happen to your health insurance coverage. Fortunately, you will have the opportunity to find a plan that meets your family’s needs during the 60-day Special Enrollment Period window.

EZ.Insure cares about you and wants to make the process of staying insured as easy as possible for you during this tough time. One of our licensed agents will compare plans within your area, and review all available options to find the best and most affordable plan for your family. You will not have to worry about health insurance because we will guide you and help you to figure it all out. Our services are always free, because we just want to help you. To get started, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Missed Open Enrollment? Consider A Short-Term Plan

Was your fall so busy with work and holiday prep that you totally missed Open Enrollment? The Open Enrollment Period began November 1 and ended December 15, and, for some, a little over a month to sign up for health insurance is barely enough time! You were probably too busy to even begin researching plans, or maybe you were simply unaware of when you can sign up for health insurance. But no need to worry, EZ has a solution for you. You can sign up for a short-term plan, which will give you coverage until the next Open Enrollment Period.

Special Enrollment Period

Before we look at short term plans, you should know that the only way to get most full-coverage health insurance plans outside of Open Enrollment is if you have experienced a qualifying life event. Qualifying life events include getting married, adding a family member, moving, getting divorced, etc. Experiencing one of these events will open up a Special Enrollment Period for you. You will then have 60 days to sign up for a new plan.

Short-Term Plans

If you do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the next step is to consider a short-term plan. These plans are much cheaper than ACA plans, but do not offer as much coverage. They are worth considering, though: short-term healthcare plans provide fast, flexible insurance with many benefits. You are able to pick your deductible amount from many options. And you are able to drop coverage without a penalty for a long-term insurance option.

You can get one of these policies at any time and it will cover you for 364 days. It is important to note that they do not have to cover pre-existing conditions, so premiums can be based on your medical history. These plans are considered minimum essential coverage, because they are not regulated by the Affordable Care Act. Because they are not subject to ACA rules, these plans do not have to include the ACA’s 10 essential health benefits, such as:

Ambulatory patient services
Emergency services
Hospitalization
Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment
Prescription drugs
Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
Laboratory services
Preventive and wellness services, and chronic disease management
Pediatric services

Choosing a short term health insurance will save you money. However, make sure you know what you are purchasing, and make sure that it is the right choice for you.

outline of a piggy bank with a coin going into it — *EZ will find an affordable plan that will save you the most money.*

Get Insured While Saving

Missing the Open Enrollment Period is more common than you might think, so don’t feel alone. Even though you missed it, you do not have to go uninsured. EZ.Insure wants to make sure that you are protected from any catastrophic and unexpected healthcare emergencies. We will compare all available short-term plans in your area to find a plan that gives you the most coverage with the most savings. And because we just want to make sure you are properly insured, we offer all of our services at no cost to you. We will provide you with your own personal agent who will go over your needs and find a great short-term plan that can temporarily insure you until the next Open Enrollment Period. To compare quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

Signed Up For A Plan & Regretting It? Let EZ Find You A New Plan

Buyer’s remorse- it happens to the best of us. It can even happen to you after you sign up for a health insurance plan. Now that Open Enrollment has ended and you have signed up for a plan, have you reviewed it and come to the conclusion that you don’t really like it? Maybe you felt rushed or pressured into buying a plan before Open Enrollment ended; whatever the case, know that you don’t have to stick with that plan. EZ.Insure can help you change plans if you live in one of the states that has an extended Open Enrollment. If you don’t live in one of these states, we can help find you another option.

Extended Open Enrollment Periods

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is from November 1 to December 15, but some states have an extended OEP. These states are:

California– Nov. 1, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021
Colorado- Nov. 1, 2020 to Jan. 15, 2021
D.C.- Nov. 1, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021
Massachusetts– Nov. 1, 2020 to Jan. 23, 2021
Nevada- Nov. 1, 2020 to Jan. 15, 2021
New Jersey- Nov. 1, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021
New York– Nov. 1, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021

During this time, one of our licensed agents can help you change plans. We will review all available plans in your area, compare quotes and coverage, and find a plan that meets all of your needs – and we won’t make you feel rushed to choose!

Special Enrollment Qualifying Events

When it comes to health insurance plans, you have two options: a private plan or a Marketplace plan. Private plans, like Marketplace plans, meet all the requirements of the ACA, such as including pre-existing conditions and providing free preventive care. Also like Marketplace plans, private health insurance plans have to be purchased during the Open Enrollment Period, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

two rings on the ends of a paper with the word divorce on the paper and a rip in the middle — *Getting divorced is considered a qualifying life event for a Special Enrollment Period.*

To qualify for a SEP, you must experience a qualifying life event. These events include:

Getting married
Having a baby, adopting a child or placing a child up for adoption or into foster care
Moving
Becoming a U.S. citizen
Leaving incarceration
Losing other health coverage due to job loss, divorce, or aging out of a parent’s plan
Losing eligibility for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Change in income or household status that affects eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies
Becoming a member of a Native American tribe

If you have experienced one of these events, speak to an EZ.Insure agent about finding a new plan.

Short-Term Plans

If your state does not offer an extended Open Enrollment Period, and you have not experienced a qualifying life event that would qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, you still have options. For example, you can look into a short-term health insurance plan. Not only are these plans affordable, but their coverage is flexible. Short-term plans can be sold year round and can cover you for up to a year, which will provide you with at least some health insurance until the next Open Enrollment Period. Or, if you are happy with your short-term plan, you can re-apply for another short-term plan. Although these plans are not required to cover the 10 essential health benefits that ACA plans are required to, they are good options for those who are looking for convenient and affordable coverage.

Catastrophic Plans

If you are under 30 and qualify for a hardship exemption, then you can sign up for a catastrophic plan at any time. Hardship exemption means that due to financial hardship or other hardships, such as the death of a family member, you are unable to afford health insurance coverage. Many people are unaware that these plans are an option. These plans:

Cover all the essential benefits defined by the ACA
Have high deductibles
Cover at least 3 primary care visits per year before the deductible is met (copays can apply for these visits, but part of the cost will be paid by the insurance company, even if you haven’t met your deductible).

Some hardship exemptions include:

Homelessness
Bankruptcy
Domestic violence
Death of a close relative
Utility services being shut off
Eviction
Home foreclosure
A fire or other natural- or human-caused disaster that results in substantial property damage

Beat Buyer’s Remorse

Purchasing a health insurance plan that you later regret is not the end of the world. You still have options. If you live in one of the states with an extended deadline, great! You can purchase a Marketplace plan or private health insurance plan through one of our agents. If you do not live somewhere that has an extended Open Enrollment Period, then consider a short-term plan or a catastrophic health plan. You do not have to stick with the plan you currently have and continue to pay monthly premiums for a plan that doesn’t meet your needs, or is too expensive.

Your best bet? Speak to an EZ agent! Our agents are highly trained in the health insurance industry and work with the top-rated companies in the nation. To see all of your options and find out how to save money, simply enter your zip code in the bar above. We will provide you with free instant quotes within minutes. Or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Domestic Violence & Health Insurance

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), around 20 people are physically abused every minute in the United States by their partners. That equates to over 10 million women and men each year. During the recent pandemic, domestic abuse reports rose by over 100,000 cases in just two months.

Each of these statistics is someone who might face the difficult situation of picking up and starting over, finding a new place to live, finding a job, repairing their credit, and getting health insurance. Health insurance may not be the first thing people think of when they think of the things that survivors of domestic violence need, but it is extremely important. Domestic violence survivors battle psychological and emotional scars and even PTSD stemming from their experiences. They need health insurance to get treatment, and for their children.

Up until 2014, being a survivor of domestic violence was actually considered a pre-existing condition. This meant anyone who had a documented history of this type of abuse could be denied insurance during the underwriting process, or could have to pay a lot more for their policy. Now, the ACA allows any domestic violence survivor to get health insurance at any time without worrying about being denied or paying extra.

The Definition of Domestic Violence

According to the NCADV, domestic violence can include any of the following:

- Physical abuse– hitting, biting, slapping, battering, shoving, punching, burning, cutting, etc. This also includes denying someone medical treatment, and/or forcing drug/alcohol use.
- Sexual abuse– being forced into having sexual contact or sexual behavior without consent. This includes marital rape, and physical violence after sex.
- Emotional abuse– making the victim feel worthless or lowering their self esteem by criticising and name-calling.
- Economic abuse– making someone financially reliant on their abuser. The abuser takes over financial resources or keeps the victim from accessing funds. It also includes being kept from going to school or work.
- Psychological abuse- using fear and intimidation tactics such as threatening to physically hurt themselves, the victim, children, or loved ones.
- Threats
- Stalking and cyberstalking

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or 1-800-787-3224 for anonymous, confidential help. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Getting Insured After Escaping Domestic Violence

woman with her head down and another womans hands on her shoulders — *ACA-approved plans must cover essential health benefits including mental health services for domestic abuse survivors.*

All ACA-approved plans must cover essential health benefits including mental health services for domestic violence survivors. This includes counseling and screening for domestic violence. Survivors of domestic violence are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which gives survivors a 60-day window outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period to sign up for a Marketplace plan. This Special Enrollment Period is available to both men and women, whether or not they are still married to their abuser, and no documentation is required to prove domestic violence.

If you are living at or below 138% of the federal poverty line, you will qualify for free Medicaid coverage. If your income is not low enough to qualify for Medicaid, but low enough that you cannot afford a Marketplace plan, there are subsidies available to help you.

Getting out of an abusive relationship takes a lot of courage and strength, and it can leave long lasting scars. Looking for health insurance, or worrying about getting treatment for you and your children can just bring on more stress. EZ cares and knows the importance of getting the healthcare you need for your recovery. We will provide you with an agent who will go over all the plans and find subsidies for you so you can find an affordable plan for yourself and your children. Our services are completely free, because we want to help you get insurance without the stress. To get free quotes, enter your zip code in the bar bove, or to speak to one of our trained agents, call 888-350-1890.

Qualify For A Special Enrollment Period? Find Out What Documents You Need

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) changed a lot of things about the way healthcare works in the U.S. One of the changes it made was to create an open enrollment period for everyone shopping for a health insurance policy on the Marketplace. In most cases, you can only enroll in a health insurance plan, or change your plan, during this period, which runs from November 1 to December 15. If you miss open enrollment, then you cannot enroll in a plan, unless you have what is known as a qualifying life event. Experiencing one of these life events opens up a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for you, meaning that you will be able to sign up for a new plan. Different types of qualifying life events require you to produce different documentation proving your eligibility for a SEP.

Qualifying Life Events

illustration of people moving with a truck and boxes and people carrying boxes. — One of the qualifying life events is moving to another county or state.

A Special Enrollment Period is only available to those who have a qualifying life event, including:

Change in residence (moving to different zip code or county)
Change in household size (having a baby or adopting a child, getting married, or getting divorced.)
Loss of health insurance (losing employment, turning 26 and getting kicked off of a parent’s plan, or death in the family.)
Changes in income

The Different Documents Required

If you lose health insurance or need a new plan, and you want to use a Special Enrollment Period to shop for a new plan, you will generally be notified of what documents are needed in your Eligibility Results Notice. You will then have 30 days to submit these documents by mail or by uploading them to healthcare.gov. There are different forms of documentation required depending on the life event.

For change in residence you will need to have moved in the past 60 days and have had health insurance at least one day in the 60 days before your move. To prove this, you will need to submit:

Documents proving that you moved, such as rental agreements, mortgage bills, or utility bills, as well as documents proving your new address and the date of your move.
Documents proving you had insurance prior to your move, such as a letter from an insurance company or employer.

For change in household size you will need:

Legal or government-issued documents of an adoption or a birth certificate
Marriage license or certificate.
Divorce certificate.

For loss of health insurance you must show that you had qualifying health insurance coverage in the past 60 days and that you will be losing coverage in the next 60 days. You will need:

A letter from your insurance company showing termination date.
A loss of health insurance coverage letter from your employer.

For change in income, you will need:

Proof of a reduction in income which makes your current plan unaffordable for you, such as a past and current paycheck or W-2 forms.

Special Enrollment Period Coverage

After you submit your documentation and prove that you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can get on the Marketplace and pick a health insurance plan. Coverage for your new plan will either begin the first day of the month after you pick your plan or the first day of the second month after you pick your plan, depending on the qualifying life event. Some types of coverage will be active sooner than others; for example, if you have a baby or adopt a child, coverage is retroactive to the date of the birth or adoption, as long as you pick a plan within 60 days.

Need Help?

If you still have questions on how this all works, contact one of our agents. Our highly trained agents will take the time to talk with you, and will go over all of your documents for you as well as thoroughly explain all of your options. Once you are ready to enroll, they will search through all the plans in your area and find the right plan for you, making sure the plan fits your needs and budget. EZ always provides you with your own personal agent, so there’s never any need to worry about bouncing around from agent to agent or getting hassled by endless sales calls. To get started, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent directly, call 888-350-1890.

Can You Get Health Insurance at Any Time?

If you are unhappy with your current health insurance policy, then it might be time to shop for a different plan. But can you purchase a new plan at any time? Yes, and no. For marketplace plans, once the open enrollment period (November 10 to December 15) is over, you generally cannot get a new plan. The open enrollment period for employer-based insurance might be at a different time of year, but you will still only be able to change your plan during that enrollment period. In most cases, if you want to get health insurance or change your plan outside of the open enrollment period, you will need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs open up when you experience what is known as a qualifying life event.

Qualifying Life Events

caucasian couple hlding a baby girl in the middle while both are kissing each cheek — *You can get health insurance outside of open enrollment if you qualify for SEP such as getting married or having a baby.*

You have 60 days to change your plan if you:

Got married
Had a baby, adopted a child, or took in a foster child
Got divorced or legally separated. However, if you do not lose coverage due to divorce or legal separation, then you do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Had someone on your marketplace plan die
Changed residence. If you move to a new home in a new ZIP code or county, move to attend school, are a seasonal worker and move between job and home, or move from a shelter or other transitional housing to a permanent residence, you will qualify for an SEP.
Lost your health insurance. This includes losing job-based coverage, losing a plan you bought yourself, losing eligibility for Medicaid or Medicare, and losing coverage through a family member.
Gained membership in a federally recognized tribe or status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder
Became newly eligible for Marketplace coverage because you became a U.S. citizen
Left incarceration
Started or ended service as an AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA, or NCCC member

Short-Term Medical Plans

If you do not qualify for any of the life events listed above, all hope is not lost. You can enroll in a short-term medical plan. Short-term health insurance provides fast, flexible insurance with many benefits. These plans can be extended up to 3 years, and you can pick your deductible amount from many options. You are also able to drop coverage without a penalty if you want to change to a long term insurance option. Premiums are lower than ACA health insurance plans, and you get coverage as soon as a day after applying.

It is important to understand that short-term insurance is temporary and not ideal for those who require more comprehensive coverage or have health conditions. Short term plans are not guaranteed-issue, meaning they do not cover pre-existing conditions. They only cover the basics.

Do you qualify for a special enrollment period? If not, are you considering a short-term health insurance plan to hold you over until open enrollment begins? EZ.Insure can help. We offer accurate health insurance quotes based on your specific region, free of charge. That’s right. We will provide you with an agent who will compare all available plans for you, and help you choose a health insurance plan that is based on your health needs and budget, for free. To get your free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Tag: special enrollment period

Health Insurance Coverage After Policy Owner Passes

What Is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

Death Of A Policy Owner/Spouse

COBRA Insurance

Death Of A Dependent

Missed Open Enrollment? Consider A Short-Term Plan

Special Enrollment Period

Short-Term Plans

Get Insured While Saving

Signed Up For A Plan & Regretting It? Let EZ Find You A New Plan

Extended Open Enrollment Periods

Special Enrollment Qualifying Events

Short-Term Plans

Catastrophic Plans

Beat Buyer’s Remorse

Domestic Violence & Health Insurance

The Definition of Domestic Violence

Getting Insured After Escaping Domestic Violence

Qualify For A Special Enrollment Period? Find Out What Documents You Need

Qualifying Life Events

The Different Documents Required

Special Enrollment Period Coverage

Need Help?

Can You Get Health Insurance at Any Time?

Qualifying Life Events

Short-Term Medical Plans

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