The Affordable Care Act was passed to decrease the number of uninsured persons in the United States. In an effort to create a sense of urgency among consumers, an Open Enrollment Process has been created.

Now, consumers have a window from November 15th to February 15th to enroll in a health plan that will take effect the first of the following month.

These are similar dates to the Medicare annual open enrollment period where individuals may enroll in and/or change their Medicare coverage.

When Open Enrollment is completed, the only way that an individual would be allowed to enroll in or switch health coverage outside of the annual enrollment period is by a Qualifying Event.

This Special enrollment period is allowed to those with Qualifying Events that include:

– Persons who lose their job-based or individual health coverage

– Persons who lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage because of an increase in income

– COBRA Expiration

– Health Plan Renewal

– Marriage

– Divorce

– Death in the Immediate Family

– The birth or adoption of a child

– Relocating to a different State or Zip Code

The Health Insurance Specialists help the individual with ACA application process and assist them in choosing a Health Plan that best fits their needs.

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