Infographic: Everything you need to know about signing up for health insurance or switching plans during this special enrolment period.
Biden Re-Opened ACA Enrolment. What Does This Mean for Americans?
An executive order signed by President Biden is allowing Americans to have another chance at signing up for health insurance. A 3-month special enrolment period between February 15 and May 15, 2021 will allow many Americans who lost their health insurance coverage to sign up or switch plans.
According to The Commonwealth Fund, 14.6 million Americans including workers and dependents have lost employer sponsored health insurance as a result of a job loss between February and June 2020. Job losses were a result of industries that were affected by COVID-19.
By re-opening ACA enrolment, millions of Americans have the opportunity to access marketplace options in 36 states. However, almost all other states are creating their own special enrolment periods to give uninsured residents an opportunity to enrol. Depending on the state, the rules and enrolment time periods may vary.
Am I Able to Change Health Insurance Plans Outside of Open Enrolment?
Normally, Americans can only purchase a marketplace plan during open enrolment which is in the fall. Anyone who loses employer sponsored health insurance may also qualify for a special enrolment period that lasts 60 days. However, many Americans miss this window of opportunity which is why this latest enrolment period can be beneficial.
Who is Eligible to Enrol?
During this special enrolment period, anyone who is uninsured can sign up or switch their health insurance plan. Regular eligibility rules apply during the special enrolment period. Consumers must live in the United States, be a U.S. citizen and cannot be incarcerated if they wish to enrol in a plan. If you have an existing plan through the federal marketplace, switching plans is also an option.
Should I Get a Marketplace Plan or Medicaid?
While the extension is a great second chance for some people, the reality is that not all Americans may be able to afford it due to the pandemic. For those who cannot afford it, Medicaid is an option. You may qualify for Medicaid if you earn less than 100% to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Individuals that fall under one of the following categories may also qualify:
- Pregnant
- Disabled
- Elderly
- Parent
- Caretaker
- Child
According to ASPE, the federal poverty levels in 2021 are as follows:
