2017 Key Dates for Open Enrollment: Individual/Family Medical Plans
Did you know that in 2017 the Open Enrollment period is November 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017? Did you know that if you do not have qualified medical coverage, meeting the minimum essential benefits, that you may face a penalty for not having health insurance coverage, according to the ACA? (Note: there are a few exemptions for this rule.)
It is important to understand the key dates for Open Enrollment for Individual and Family coverage, both on and off the exchange.
If you are enrolling for individual/family medical coverage between November 1, 2016 and through December 15, 2016, coverage will begin as of January 1, 2017. If you are enrolling for individual/family medical coverage on December 15, 2016 through January 15, 2017, coverage will begin as of February 1, 2017. Finally, if you are enrolling for health coverage on January 16, 2017 through January 31, 2017, coverage will begin as of March 1, 2017.
Outside of Open Enrollment, individuals can enroll in the individual/family health coverage only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Some examples may include, but are not limited to the following: loss of group coverage, divorce and therefore, losing medical coverage through spouse’s employer plan, or employer terminates their group plan and therefore, no longer offers coverage. It is also important to enroll within a certain period of time of the qualifying event.
If you have any questions, or would like to explore Individual/Family Health Insurance plans, please do not hesitate to contact Julie Mangrello-Jennings at (714) 716-4303.
