As part of the new law, The Affordable Care Act has specific times that Americans can apply for health insurance. March 31st, 2014, marked the end of the first Open Enrollment period. The next Open Enrollment period will start on November 15th, 2014, for a January 1st, 2015 effective date.
But what happens if you need health insurance beyond Open Enrollment?
Nevada is unlike any other state with the options for available coverage.
Three options beyond Open Enrollment:
Late Applications
If anyone tried to make application for a health insurance plan during the last Open Enrollment period – between October 1st, 2013 and March 31st, 2014 – they have until the last day of May, 2014, to submit a completed application. Those applications processed between the 16th and the 31st of May will start June 1st
Life Events
If anyone has a life event they will be able to apply for a 2014 health plan. They can therefore obtain an effective date on the first of the following month. The majority of the applications submitted during this “Special Enrollment Period” will require additional information. This is usually a “Certificate of Creditable Coverage” from the prior health insurance company. We will need to send in this certificate to the health insurance company to prove your life event.
Terminated Coverage
If anyone does not have a life event or prior coverage that has been terminated, Nevada allows applicants to make application for a health insurance plan at any time. The insurance companies must provide the benefits of the plan after a 90 day waiting period.
If you have questions about health insurance beyond Open Enrollment, or about health insurance plans in general, please don’t hesitate to call our office for complete details! We have 5 licensed brokers on our office who are happy to help with no cost to you.
