On Friday, February 12, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that, in accordance with an Executive Order signed by President Biden, a Special Enrollment Period for the Health Insurance Marketplace will be available in the 36 states using the HealthCare.gov platform. The SEP will be available from Monday, February 15, through Saturday, May 15 for most states.
Anyone is eligible to enroll in coverage during the Special Enrollment Period, and those who are recently uninsured due to job loss or are currently between jobs are encouraged to find a plan at HealthCare.gov. Nine out of ten consumers who enroll in a plan receive financial assistance, and three out of four consumers currently enrolled can find plans for $50 or less.
FAQs about the Special Enrollment Period (SEP):
- When can your clients enroll? The SEP begins on Monday, February 15. Go to HealthCare.gov to find the health insurance coverage that is right for your clients.
- How long do your clients have to enroll? The SEP runs for three months in most states – February 15 through May 15, 2021.
- Who is eligible? Anyone who lawfully resides in the United States is eligible to enroll in coverage through the Federal Marketplace during the SEP. Additionally, some State-Based Marketplaces have also opted to create an SEP – HealthCare.gov can help you find your clients’ state marketplaces if that’s where they should be enrolled. Financial assistance with coverage costs is based on income, family situation and other offers of coverage.
Additional questions about the Special Enrollment Period can be answered at HealthCare.gov.
