How does the Covered California Special Enrollment Period work?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you missed the enrollment period for health insurance? It can be a stressful experience, leaving you worried about the potential risks of not having coverage. Luckily, Covered California has you covered! Even if you missed the regular enrollment period, you can still enroll during the Covered California Special Enrollment Period.
Covered California Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a time outside of the regular Open Enrollment Period when you can enroll in health insurance through Covered California. You can qualify for a SEP if you experience a qualifying life event that affects your health insurance needs.
Qualifying Life Events for Covered California Enrollment
To be eligible for the Special Enrollment Period, individuals must experience a qualifying life event. Common events include:
- Losing your health insurance coverage due to a job loss, divorce, or aging out of a parent’s plan
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Moving to a new area that is not covered by your current health plan
- Becoming a U.S. citizen or lawfully present individual
If you experience a qualifying life event, you have 60 days from the event date to enroll in health insurance through Covered California.
How to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period
To enroll in health insurance during the Covered California Special Enrollment Period, you need to follow these steps:
1. Visit the Covered California website and create an account. You will need to provide personal information such as your name, address, and Social Security number.
2. Determine your eligibility for a Special Enrollment Period by answering a few questions about your life situation.
3. Choose a health insurance plan that fits your needs and budget. You can compare plans and prices on the Covered California website.
4. Complete your enrollment by providing information about your household income and other relevant details.
5. Pay your first month’s premium to activate your coverage.
Effective Dates and Deadlines
Open Enrollment Dates: The Covered California Enrollment period is currently ongoing and runs from November 1 to January 31. As the Enrollment Period is coming to an end soon, it is a reminder to act fast and enroll in the open enrollment period.
Special Enrollment Dates: The Covered California Special Enrollment date runs from February 1 to October 31.
It is important to note that if you do not enroll in health insurance during a Special Enrollment Period, you will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to sign up for coverage.
Takeaway
Covered California Special Enrollment Period provides a lifeline for Californians who experience a qualifying life event that affects their health insurance needs. If you qualify for a SEP, be sure to take advantage of it by enrolling in health insurance through Covered California within 60 days of your qualifying life event.
Looking for Assistance with Covered California ?
Skyline Benefit is a certified insurance agency with Covered California. Act now and get the premium subsidy and coverage that you deserve.
Our agents can review your medical needs and budget, and tailor your health insurance options during Covered California Open Enrollment.
Call us now at (714) 888-5112