February 22, 2017
Now that the 2017 open healthcare enrollment is well in our rearview, many of those who opted not to buy coverage have asked us which types of health insurance can be purchased after the cutoff date. In the spirit of keeping things as uncomplicated as possible, let's review some of the things you need to know about staying covered after the open enrollment deadline has passed.
Special Enrollment
If you're expecting a major change to your life during the non-enrollment period, such as the birth of a new child, your wedding, a big move, etc., you'll likely qualify for health insurance under Special Enrollment. This allows you to buy coverage without facing any sort of fine or penalty for non-compliance, and there are many scenarios under which coverage would be allowed.
Cancer & Critical Illness Plans
If you're specifically looking to cover soaring hospital and medical expenses in the hopefully unlikely event of cancer, stroke or a heart attack, critical illness plans are an option worth considering. These plans are relatively inexpensive, and can help with both the medical costs and recovery expenses associated with these all-too-common health issues.
Accident Plans
Whether you're young and healthy, live an active lifestyle or just prone to mishaps, an accident plan can be a good thing to have if you're currently without health insurance. Like Critical Illness and Cancer Plans, they provide cash benefits that can be used to offset medical expenses, as well as those incurred during your recovery if you're unable to work.
Short-term Health Insurance
Once common to those waiting for group plan benefits to kick-in after being hired, short-term coverage is a sound option for those who missed the enrollment cutoff. The most common plans cover spans of 90 days. And while it will provide you coverage similar to traditional health plans, it won't exempt you from non-compliance fines.
Dental and Vision Insurance Plans
Now, you won't have access to every single carrier that typically offers coverage, however, you can still purchase vision and dental insurance after open enrollment closes. Each carrier has unique effective date guidelines, so be sure to read the fine print carefully or talk to an agent to ensure that your coverage is active when you need it.
Life Insurance Policies
Life insurance is sort of its own unique entity when it comes to carriers and regulations and, fortunately, not bound by the core tenets of the Affordable Care Act. This should come as good news to anyone starting a family, getting married or thinking of taking up any number of extreme sport hobbies.
Small Group Plans
If you work with a small group of people who also need coverage, setting up a small group plan is a great option. As long as one person is employed full-time, you should qualify for small-group health benefits from a variety of major carriers. This again is something a local agent can assist with if you're unsure on where to start.
Expert Health Insurance Assistance in the Chicago Area
Whether you're wondering about special enrollment qualifications, need something short-term, or just flat out missed the deadline, (we've all been there), Premier can answer any questions you might have about the various types of coverage available after open enrollment.
To learn more or schedule a time to talk, call Premier today at 800-369-0287 or drop us a line through our contact page. We're located in Lisle and staff a team of licensed agents who can help with everything from general info and Special Enrollment, to ancillary coverage or small group plans.