With the 2017 Open Enrollment Period ending January 31st, the opportunity to enroll in ACA compliant Individual or Family health insurance is now limited to those with a qualifying life event.
If you experience a qualifying life event, you can take advantage of a special enrollment period (SEP) to make changes to your existing individual health plan or buy a new one. In most cases, you’ll have 60 days prior to the qualifying life event and 60 days after the event to enroll with the effective date being first of the month following your enrollment.
Here is more information about qualified life events and eligibility: Qualifying Life Events for special enrollment
It should be noted that an eligible life event does not in itself guarantee enrollment. Documentation showing proof of such an event is needed and requirements and deadlines do vary among the different insurance carriers. Some are stricter than others. Some for example, may require two or more pieces of evidence to show proof of residency and/or prior insurance.
Special note to Anthem Blue Cross members of terminating plans: A qualifying life event includes an individual health insurance policy (including “grandfathered” and “non-grandfathered” health insurance plan) that has expired or will soon expire. Anthem Blue Cross of CA is terminating some of their Grandfathered contracts Feb. 28, 2018, and would qualify as a life event for policyholders to obtain a replacement ACA compliant policy through the private market or public exchange (CoveredCA).
Let me know if you have any questions.
Phil Dougherty