If you’re self employed and want to make a change to your Obamacare health insurance plan or sign up for a new one, familiarize yourself with the most recent Special Enrollment Period (SEP) introduced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and President Biden. It’s available until May 15th 2021. Let’s take a closer look at the details.
Who Is Eligible?
Normally, you’re only eligible for the SEP if you’ve experienced a qualifying event. Having a baby, adopting a child, moving, or losing a job all constitute as qualifying events. In this case, however, you can take advantage of SEP without one. The COVID-19 SEP is more flexible as it’s main intention is to help those who are facing uncertainty or different circumstances as a result of the pandemic. You may participate in the SEP if you’re:
- Currently uninsured
- Covered under a plan that doesn’t provide minimum essential coverage (health care sharing ministry, short-term health insurance, etc.)
- Already enrolled in a plan through HealthCare.gov or your state-based exchange
How to Participate
If you’re eligible and interested in the SEP, you can visit HealthCare.gov for more information on how to enroll in a new plan or make changes to your current plan. In the event you live in the District of Columbia or one of the 14 other states with its own exchange, visit your state-based exchange for details on how to participate.
Note that each state has its own deadlines and dates for the pandemic SEP. If you don’t take advantage of it, you’ll have to wait until November 2021, open enrollment to alter your health insurance situation.
MAIR Agency Can Help
If you’re unsure of whether or not you’re eligible for the SEP or need assistance with enrollment, our team is here to help. We can evaluate your needs and inform you of the ideal next steps. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information.