We often get asked the question: “Can I get health insurance any time of the year?” The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the type of health insurance you are trying to obtain and your personal circumstances.
If you aren’t sure if you are eligible to enroll in an insurance plan outside of Open Enrollment, don’t worry! Our independent insurance agents at McKnight & McKnight discuss the different ways you can obtain health insurance throughout the year.
“Can I Get Health Insurance Any Time?” The Short Answer:
It depends. Enrollment for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans occurs each year from November 1st to December 15th. During this time, you can choose to enroll in a new health insurance plan, change your current plan, or keep the plan you have. If you miss open enrollment, you may have to wait until the next enrollment period to make changes to your coverage, unless you experience a qualifying event.
You’ll only have 60 days following a Qualifying life event (QLE) to enroll in a new healthcare plan.
Read More > I Missed Open Enrollment. Now What?
Special Enrollment Periods
If you missed the open enrollment period, you may not have to be concerned just yet! There are qualifying life events that will allow you to enroll before November comes around again. These specific life events may allow you to enroll in a new health insurance plan outside of the open enrollment period.
These events are known as qualifying life events and include:
- Marriage, divorce or death in the family.
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Losing health insurance coverage due to job loss or other reasons
- Moving to a new county or zip code
- Becoming a U.S. citizen
- Change of income
- Turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent’s plan
If you experience a QLE, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period. This means you can enroll in a new health insurance plan or make changes to your current plan outside of the open enrollment period. You generally have 60 days from the date of the qualifying event to enroll in a new plan.
Be Informed > Why Do I Need Health Insurance?
Bob was great to work with… took his time to explain everything. Really great experience and would highly recommend McKnight & McKnight Insurance!!!
-Marilyn R.
Is a New Job a Qualifying Event?
Your new employer may offer health insurance as part of your benefits package. If this is the case, you will likely be invited to enroll in this coverage after a brief probationary period.
If your new employer does NOT offer health insurance benefits, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if one of these qualifying events occurs:
- Your job moves you to a new zip code or county.
- You lost your health insurance coverage after resigning from your previous employer
I missed Open Enrollment, and I don’t have a qualifying life event. I need health insurance now! What can I do?
No problem! We have many options for health insurance coverage outside of open enrollment. Schedule a convenient phone appointment with our licensed insurance agents. We’ll help you navigate your options for health insurance coverage outside of Open Enrollment.
Don’t Second Guess, Call McKnight & McKnight Insurance
Like many other questions in the world of healthcare, the answer to “Can I get health insurance any time of the year,” is not so straightforward.
At McKnight & McKnight Insurance, we understand that navigating the world of health insurance can be confusing and overwhelming. We make the process simple, fast and friendly. Our licensed independent insurance agents can help you understand your options and guide you through the enrollment process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the affordable health insurance coverage you need.
