The Fifth Open Enrollment Period of the Affordable Care Act came to a close on Dec. 15. In six weeks, we enrolled more than 500 Missourians in health insurance. Were you one of them? If not, you may still be eligible to sign up for health insurance if you qualify for what is known as a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Missourians: there is a Special Enrollment Period specific to Missouri! If you or a family member were enrolled through a Marketplace Anthem plan in 2017, you may be able to sign up for health insurance during a SEP that lasts until Feb 28. Give us a call at 314-531-7526 in St. Louis or at 417-883-3800 ext. 808 in Southwest Missouri for more information.
What is the Marketplace?
The Health Insurance Marketplace was launched in 2013 through the Affordable Care Act as a new way to shop and enroll in health insurance. Individuals and families may qualify for financial assistance based on their household size and income.
When can I enroll in health insurance?
Individuals and families can enroll every year during an established open enrollment period. If you miss open enrollment, you must qualify for a SEP in order to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period. Otherwise, you have to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll.
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
A Special Enrollment Period is a 60 day time period in which an individual and/or family can enroll in health insurance on the Marketplace outside of the yearly Open Enrollment Period. SEPs are triggered by various qualifying life events. If you have experienced any of these events within the last 60 days, you may qualify for a SEP:
- Loss of current Health Insurance
- Moving to a different city or state
- Gain/loss of dependent or spouse
- Gain/loss of income
- Gain of eligible immigration status
- Release from incarceration
Do I qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?
Do you think you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period? Planned Parenthood offers free one-on-one assistance at all of our Missouri locations to review your coverage options and help submit your online application. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. You can make an appointment online or by calling us at 314-531-7526 in St. Louis or at 417-883-3800 ext. 808 in southwest Missouri.
Dana Dreher is the Lead Certified Application Counselor at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri.
Tags: Obamacare, Missouri, specialenrollment, healthinsurance, openenrollment
