The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a federal law that was enacted in 2010. Its goal? The goal of increasing the affordability and accessibility of health insurance for Americans.
The ACA has faced a lot of political controversy and legal challenges over the years. Regardless, it remains the law of the land and has helped millions of Americans get health insurance coverage.
One of the key provisions of the ACA is the establishment of an open enrollment period during which individuals and families can sign up for health insurance or switch to a different health plan. The open enrollment period usually takes place during a specific time of the year, and it is typically the only time that individuals and families can sign up for ACA-compliant health insurance or switch to a different plan without experiencing a gap in coverage.
The open enrollment period for the ACA is usually held between November and December of each year. It allows individuals and families to enroll in health insurance plans that will take effect on January 1 of the following year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to the ACA open enrollment period in recent years.
In 2021, President Joe Biden reopened ACA enrollment for a special enrollment period in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This special enrollment period allows individuals and families who are uninsured or who want to switch to a different health plan to do so outside of the usual open enrollment period.
So, if you’re wondering whether you are eligible to sign up for or switch health plans now that Biden has reopened ACA enrollment, here’s what you need to know:
You may be eligible if you are uninsured or if you want to switch to a different health plan.
Are you are currently uninsured and wanting to get coverage under the ACA. Are you insured but you want to switch to a different health plan? Then, you may be eligible to do so. But you can only do so during the special enrollment period that has been reopened by President Biden.
To be eligible to enroll in an ACA-compliant health plan during the special enrollment period, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
- You do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance.
- You do not have access to other types of qualifying coverage, such as Medicare or Medicaid.
You may be eligible if you have experienced a qualifying life event.
Are you uninsured or wanting to switch to a different health plan? If yes, then you may also be eligible to enroll in or switch to an ACA-compliant health plan. This is only if you have experienced a qualifying life event. Qualifying life events include events such as:
- Losing your job or experiencing a reduction in income that affects your ability to pay for health insurance.
- Getting married or divorced.
- Having a child or adopting a child.
- Moving to a new area where your current health plan is not available.
For example, you might have experienced a qualifying life event. You may be eligible to enroll in or switch to an ACA-compliant health plan outside of the usual open enrollment period.
You may not be eligible if you have missed the deadline for the special enrollment period.
The special enrollment period that has been reopened by President Biden has a deadline. If you have missed this deadline, you may not be eligible to enroll in or switch to an ACA-compliant health plan. You may have to wait until the next open enrollment period.
It’s important to note that the deadline for the special enrollment period may vary depending on where you live. So, it’s a good idea to check with your state’s health insurance marketplace or a licensed insurance agent. By doing so, you can find out the specific deadline for your area.
You may be eligible for financial assistance to help you pay for your health insurance.
One of the key features of the ACA is that it provides financial assistance to help individuals and families pay for their health insurance premiums. If you are eligible for financial assistance, you may be able to get help paying for your health insurance through the ACA.
To be eligible for financial assistance, you must meet the following criteria:
- You have an income that is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.
- You are not eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance or other types of qualifying coverage, such as Medicare or Medicaid.
If you are eligible for financial assistance, you may be able to get help paying for your health insurance premiums through the ACA. This financial assistance is available in the form of tax credits, which are applied directly to your health insurance premiums to lower the amount you have to pay.
In conclusion, if you are uninsured or if you want to switch to a different health plan, you may be eligible to do so during the special enrollment period. This period has been reopened by President Biden. You may also be eligible if you have experienced a qualifying life event. But, you may not be eligible if you have missed the deadline for the special enrollment period. Additionally, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help you pay for your health insurance. This is if you meet the income and coverage criteria. If you are unsure of your eligibility, it’s a good idea to check with your state’s health insurance marketplace or a licensed insurance agent to find out more. Contact Healthedly at 855-522-2201 for more information!
