The Health Insurance Marketplace Just Reopened

On Thursday, January 28, President Joseph Biden signed an executive order that reopened the marketplace from February 15, 2021 - May 15, 2021 for a special three-month enrollment period.

Those who lost their jobs, and therefore their healthcare, during the COVID-19 pandemic, can now get coverage. It will also give those who need coverage during the pandemic an extended chance to buy health plans.

Although losing job-based health insurance qualifies you for a special enrollment period (even if you quit or get fired), it’s only available for about 60 days, and many people don’t sign up in time. It’s estimated that about 7.7 million workers lost their employer-sponsored health insurance due to the pandemic as of June 2020, according to the Commonwealth Fund. Including dependents, about 14.6 million people were affected.

The latest special enrollment period also presents a chance for those on a Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health insurance plan to find a cheaper option. While employers typically cover most of their employees' health plan costs, those on COBRA carry the total cost themselves, plus an administrative fee.

Do I need a Qualifying Life Event to enroll?

• Individuals who purchased a plan during Open Enrollment Period and would like to change plans.
• Individuals who missed Open Enrollment Period, and are currently uninsured.

Please note, enrolling between February 15 and May 15 will guarantee you coverage first of the month following the date you apply. Retroactive effective dates will not be permitted.

Secure your 2021 coverage before the May 15 deadline.

Further Reading:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), put out a summary of what to expect in the coming weeks and months.