Special Enrollment Opportunity

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans are experiencing new health problems and uncertainty with what the future holds. The ever-changing Public Health Emergency and the unprecedented circumstances and challenges have left many Americans uninsured or underinsured and in desperate need for affordable health care coverage.

Starting on February 15, 2021 continuing through May 15, 2021, The Biden administration opened a special enrollment period for HealthCare.gov for those who missed the open enrollment in the fall or simply wish to change their current marketplace plan. Individuals can see if one's state has an enrollment opportunity by clicking here; most of the state-based marketplaces will open their doors to individuals who need insurance as well.

Consumers can access the special enrollment through HealthCare.gov, the Marketplace call center (1-800-318-2596), or direct enrollment channels.

For those who need help understanding how the marketplaces – and federal financial assistance – work, Georgetown CHIR has updated and expanded its Navigator Resource Guide. The Guide provides answers to over 300 frequently asked questions about marketplace eligibility, enrollment, and coverage, as well as helpful resources such as state-by-state guides, an “Ask an Expert” feature, and background on key Affordable Care Act reforms.

References:

CMS. (2021, January 28). Fact sheet 2021 Special enrollment period in response to the covid-19 emergency. Retrieved March 02, 2021, from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2021-special-enrollment-period-response-covid-19-emergency

Georgetown Center on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR). (2021). Navigator resource guide. (2021). https://navigatorguide.georgetown.edu/