If you have or are interested in Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare, you should know about the pandemic-related Special Enrollment Period (SEP). It was recently introduced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and President Biden. Here’s what you need to know.
Who Can Participate?
In a normal SEP, you wouldn’t be able to participate unless you experienced a qualifying event like a new baby, job loss, or move. With this special COVID-19 SEP, however, you can participate without a qualifying event. It’s available to you if you’re currently uninsured, have a plan that doesn’t offer minimum essential coverage, or are already enrolled in a plan via Healthcare.gov or your state-based exchange.
When Can I Participate?
The COVID-19 SEP began in February 2021 and is open until May 15th 2021. It’s a good idea to take action sooner than later so that you don’t forget or miss the deadline. If you do miss the deadline, you won’t be able to enroll in a new plan or make changes to your current plan until the next open enrollment period in November 2021. The only exception to this is if you experience a qualifying event.
How to Participate
If you’d like to take advantage of SEP and live in one of 36 states that uses the federal exchange or marketplace, go to HealthCare.gov. You’ll find details on how to change your current plan or enroll in a new one. In the event you live in Washington D.C. or one of the other 14 states with its own exchange, visit your state-run exchange website. The deadline and options will likely be similar to those offered by the federal exchange.
MAIR Agency Can Help
If you’re unsure of whether or not you’re eligible for the SEP or have questions about your health insurance plan, 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.