Very few people realize that they will be unable to buy a health insurance plan for the majority of the year.
But it’s true. Under the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”), there is an “open enrollment” period each year during which people are able to enroll in an individual health insurance plan. Under the new law they can do so without regard for pre-existing conditions and may be eligible for premium tax credits (subsidies) from the government to help them pay for it.
But the open enrollment period does not last all year. In fact, in most years the window is supposed to open in early October and close in mid-December. Currently we are in the initial open enrollment period – since the whole thing is new the window is open through the first part of 2014.
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But this open enrollment period is set to end on March 31.
After that, you won’t be able to get a health insurance plan on the government exchange (or marketplace) until the fall. And when you get a plan in the fall, it won’t start until January 1.
What about insurance carriers off the exchange?
Though there may be an exception in certain states here and there, the vast majority of insurance companies will not take new applications outside of open enrollment.
Why not? The belief is that someone who chooses not to get health insurance in open enrollment would not choose to do so later unless there was a big change in their health. In other words, they’re trying to avoid someone deciding to take their chances, but then buying into the system when they get hurt or sick.
Are there exceptions?
The law does make exceptions for people with a “qualifying event.” These would be life changes like marriage, divorce, moving to a new coverage area, or losing employer-sponsored coverage.
Are there alternatives?
The best alternative will be to find a short-term health insurance plan that you can keep in place until you can get a regular health insurance plan. These plans are not guaranteed issue – in other words if you’ve decided to buy a plan because you’ve contracted a disease, this won’t work. But if you’re caught without coverage and want a basic safety net in place, this is the best option.
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What’s the bottom line?
The bottom line is that you need to figure out your health insurance situation and get enrolled before March 31. If you don’t, you’ll be rolling the dice. (If you decide to opt out of Obamacare, we can help you put a few safety-net items in place that will cost a lot less).
We invite you to contact us to learn more and to discuss the specifics of your personal situation.
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