Special Enrollment is a window of time outside of the annual open enrollment period during which you and your family can enroll in a healthcare plan. The next annual open enrollment period for the 2016 plan year is currently scheduled for November 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016.
Eligibility for Special Enrollment is limited to those with a qualifying event, such as a change in family status, a move, or the loss of group health insurance. These and other qualifying events allow people to enroll in a health insurance plan outside of the normal annual open enrollment period. It’s important to note that most special enrollment periods last 60 days from the date of the qualifying event and require proof of the change. If coverage is not obtained during this period, then the next opportunity to enroll would be during the annual open enrollment period. Note: Medi-Cal is available all year, and no qualifying life event or special enrollment period is required to enroll in Medi-Cal.
If you are interested in changing plans and think you may qualify for a special enrollment or aren’t sure, give us a call. We’ll be happy to answer you questions and advise you.
Phil Dougherty
OnlyHealthInsurance