Special Enrollment Period for ACA Health Insurance Kicks off Feb.15

Special Enrollment Period for ACA Health Insurance Kicks off Feb.15

The move is in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in which millions of people have lost their jobs and health insurance. In fact, according to the Economic Policy Institute, an estimated 12 million people lost their employer-sponsored health insurance due to the pandemic.

What does this special enrollment period mean for me?

If you are one of the millions of Americans who are uninsured or underinsured, this is an opportunity to gain affordable health coverage. 

Open enrollment in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace usually runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 15 every year. If you miss the deadline, you have to wait until the following Nov. 1 to enroll (unless you have a life event that qualifies you for a special enrollment period).

This new open enrollment period gives you another opportunity and more time to find and enroll in a health insurance plan through the ACA marketplace.

Two important things to note: 

• If you had health insurance from your employer and lost it during the pandemic, you may be eligible for financial assistance with premiums on plans purchased through the marketplace
• This special enrollment period is only open to those living in the 36 states that use the federal ACA marketplace found on HealthCare.gov. Arizona is one of those states.

What should I do next?

If you are interested in purchasing health insurance from the ACA marketplace during this special period, visit HealthCare.gov. Start looking around at your options and see if you are eligible for any government subsidies. There are numerous resources to guide you through the process, including a robust “Help” section.

You have 30 days after you submit your application to choose a plan, and your coverage will begin the first of the month after you select a plan, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Or, contact an insurance broker to help you

You can also purchase a private policy through a broker or agent. In many cases, the policies purchased through a broker cost the same or even less than a comparable plan on the marketplace.

A reputable agent will learn what’s important to you and what kind of budget you’re working with. Remember: It doesn’t cost you anything to use a reputable agent or broker. They are paid commissions from the health insurance companies; they don’t charge clients for their services. 

>>Learn More: New to Arizona? A Guide to Health Insurance in AZ

Questions? Reach out to AZ Health Insurance Brokers



Don’t hesitate to call us at 602.617.4107 or send us a message today. We are happy to answer any questions and see if we can come up with a health plan that meets the needs of you and your family.