2013 / 2014 Open Enrollment In The Individual Health Insurance Exchange
Health Care Reform requires Exchanges to have an initial open enrollment period, an annual open enrollment period, and certain special enrollment periods. Individuals will only be able to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan through an Exchange during one of the enrollment periods. Individuals will not be allowed to purchase coverage unless an enrollment period is available.
Initial Enrollment Period
The initial open enrollment period is expected to run from October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014. Coverage will have an effective date of January 1, 2014, for qualified individuals whose Qualified Health Plan selections are received by the Exchange on or before December 15, 2013. For any selections received between the first and 15th day of January, February, or March 2014, coverage will be effective the first day of the following month. For selections received between the 16th day and the last day of any month between December 2013 and March 31, 2014, the Exchange must ensure coverage is effective the first day of the second following month.
Special Enrollment Periods
Qualified individuals and enrollees may be allowed a “special enrollment period” under certain circumstances (similar to a qualifying event under Section 125 plans), during which they could enroll in a plan or change enrollment from one plan to another. Each special enrollment period will be 60 days from the date of the triggering event. The effective date of any coverage elected during a special enrollment period follows rules similar to those applicable during initial enrollment. However, coverage would be effective on the date of birth, adoption, or placement for adoption, when that is the special enrollment triggering event. Click here for the list of Triggering Events.
Annual Enrollment Periods
The annual enrollment period for 2015 and subsequent years will begin October 15 and extend through December 7 of the preceding calendar year. Starting in 2014, the Exchange must provide advance written notice to each enrollee about annual open enrollment no earlier than September 1, and no later than September 30.
Jesse Smedley is the Principal Broker for iHealthBrokers and the founder, president, and CEO of Smedley Insurance Group, Inc. and iHealthBrokers.com. Since the inception of SIG in 2007, Jesse has been dedicated to helping people save money on their health insurance by providing them with resources to educate themselves on all their health insurance options, both under age 65 and Medicare beneficiaries. He is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for expert columns regarding health insurance and Medicare.
