Can I still Enroll in Health Insurance?

Right now, no one can enroll in health insurance through the marketplace and receive a subsidy...unless

A) You are turning 26 years old this year
If you are turning 26 this year then you are aging off your parent's insurance(if you haven't already purchased your own health insurance plan). Aging off a parent's plan is a Qualifying Life Event. Within 60 days of this event, you can enroll in a health insurance plan of your choice through the Marketplace, and receive a subsidy if you qualify.

B)You are Getting Married this year
If you are taking the plunge into matrimony(CONGRATS!!), then you and your fiance can and should be shopping for health insurance. Engaged, but your date is set for next year? You may want to consider pushing up the date if you don't have health insurance, or want to change your health plan.

C)You are Having a Baby
If you are having a baby this year, you can and should be shopping for a health insurance plan. You can see what your premium will be with the little one added on. When I added my daughter to the group plan I used to be on, I was shocked at the increase in premium-better check out your options! You may NOW qualify for a subsidy that you didn't before. Dependents make a big difference! Oh, and call me-we need to talk about life insurance too.

D)You are Losing Group Coverage(I.E. Losing your Job)
If you are losing your job, you are probably panicking about how you are going to be able to get affordable health insurance. Don't worry! Group insurance is NOT always cheaper than individual insurance! Plus, your income has now changed, and you may be eligible for a subsidy now. You have an alternate to COBRA that may be much more affordable.

E)And Speaking of COBRA...
COBRA lasts for 18 months, and once COBRA has ended, you have to start shopping for health insurance. Losing COBRA is another Qualifying Life Event, and you can go to the Marketplace and pick a new health insurance plan.

F)You are Getting Divorced
If you are getting a divorce, then your income could be changing and your tax filing status is changing. You are eligible to go to the Marketplace and shop for a new health insurance plan.

G)You are Getting a New Job
If you are starting a new job, you can shop for an insurance plan on the Marketplace too. Your new job may not offer group coverage, and even if it does, you usually have a waiting period before you are eligible for group coverage. Also, your income is changing once again, so you can adjust your estimated income for the next year and get a new list of plans and rates.

H)You are Moving To a new Zipcode
Because different plans are available in different areas, moving to a new zipcode enables you to apply for health insurance on the Marketplace. If you didn't sign up for health insurance this year, or if you want to change plans, moving to a new zipcode may be a feasible option for you.

I)You are Becoming a US Citizen
Newly Naturalized? You are now eligible for health insurance on the Marketplace.

All of these Qualifying Life Events give you a 60 day window in which to shop around and enroll in health insurance, and possibly qualify for a subsidy. We are available to help you select a plan that covers what you need, and fits into your budget(hopefully!). We work with Blue Cross an Blue Shield, which sells plans on the Marketplace, and we can help you find out if you qualify for a subsidy. Call our office(336-342-4438), or email me!