With all of the controversy and confusion surrounding recent health care reform, it is imperative that you receive accurate information so that you can enter the healthcare market appropriately. In attempts to control costs, the federal government has put various enrollment periods into place. These enrollment periods make it so that an individual cannot wait until they become ill to obtain health insurance.
Starting in the year 2014, individuals can only enroll in guaranteed issue individual health insurance during the designated periods. There are two different types of enrollment periods. The first is called the open enrollment period and specifies a specific time in which individuals can enroll. In the event that you fail to enroll during the open enrollment period, you must wait until the following year’s open enrollment period. The only way around this requirement is if you are eligible for the special enrollment period; there are various requirements in order to qualify.
Annual Open Enrollment Periods for 2015 – 2020
2015: November 15, 2014 – February 15, 2015
2016: October 15, 2015 – December 7, 2015
2017: October 15, 2016 – December 7, 2016
2018: October 15, 2017 – December 7, 2017
2019: October 15, 2018 – December 7, 2018
2020: October 15, 2019 – December 7, 2019
Special Enrollment Period Qualifying Events:
- If a qualifying individual loses minimum required coverage
- If a qualifying individual gains a dependent from marriage, birth, adoption, or placement for adoption
- If a qualifying individual gains citizenship status
- If a qualifying individual experiences error, misrepresentation, or inaction of the insurance exchanges
- If a qualifying individual is newly determined eligible
- If a qualifying individual demonstrates that they meet exceptional circumstances
- If a qualifying individual gains access to new health care plans due to a permanent move
Contact ISU Wissink Insurance for all of your health insurance needs. We understand that the implications surrounding the Affordable Care Act can be confusing, and that is why we are always available to answer any and all questions you may have