Did you miss the healthcare open enrollment period and now find yourself without health insurance? If so, there are several factors that may qualify you to be able to enroll now. Certain qualifying events allow you to have a special enrollment. We get a lot of calls from people wondering if they can get health insurance. For example, if you recently moved to the Willamette Valley, or had a significant life event like marriage or birth, you may qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). Below we will lay out the various changes and events that would allow you to enroll now.
Special Enrollment Qualifications
Moving. Certain moves may qualify you for a SEP. Moving to a new zip code or from a foreign country to the U.S will qualify you. If you move from a shelter or transitional housing or are a students moving to or from where they attend school you may also qualify. Lastly, if you are seasonal worker that moves to or from where you live and work, you may be able to have an SEP.
It is important to note that if you are moving to a new place for the purpose of seeking medical treatment or vacation, that may not qualify you for a SEP.
Changes in household size. Have you recently married? Had a baby or gained/became a dependent? You may qualify for an special enrollment period. If you have recently gone through a divorce, or legal separation and have lost medical coverage, you may also qualify. If there has been a death in the family resulting in loss of coverage, that may qualify you as well.
It is important to note that if you lose your health insurance due to divorce or legal separation, you may qualify for a SEP. Divorce or separation without the loss of coverage does not qualify you. Likewise, if the death of a family member causes you to no longer be eligible for your current plan, you can qualify for a SEP.
Changes in income. Not all income changes will qualify you for a SEP. It is important to update any change of income on your application to guarantee that you are getting the right saving based on your current income.
Changes in status. These changes can include: Denied Medicaid/CHIP, gained citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S., released from incarceration (detention, jail, or prison).
Let us help!
If you have experienced any of these things, it is better to report them sooner rather than later. Please contact us if you have any questions, or if you think you have a special enrollment event. We would be happy to set up a free consultation and go over your options.