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Did you forget to sign up for health care coverage through the Obamacare Marketplace? This year’s shorter six-week Open Enrollment period may have seemed like it came and went in the blink of an eye! If you missed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment period, you will likely need to wait until next year to get coverage or make changes to your health insurance plan.  However, you may still have some options. Let Direct Auto Insurance help you find out what to do if you missed Open Enrollment.

Special Enrollment Period

Certain life changes may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), allowing you to enroll in a Marketplace plan, even if you missed the ACA deadline. If you qualify for an SEP, you usually have up to 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. Wondering if you’re eligible? Call 1-855-851-0919 to connect with a licensed agent to find out if your life event qualifies you for coverage – and get started with understanding the four basic types of qualifying life events below:

    1. Loss of health coverage. You may qualify for an SEP if you previously received health insurance through an employer, school, or parent, but lost coverage – or if you are no longer eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
    2. Changes in household. If someone in your household got married, had a baby, adopted a child, or placed a child in foster care – or if you’re no longer able to receive health insurance coverage due to a death, divorce, or legal separation, you may qualify for an SEP.
    3. Changes in residence. Moving to a new home in a new ZIP code or county may qualify you for an SEP, whether you’re a student moving to or from school, a seasonal worker moving to or from work, or an individual moving to or from a shelter or other transitional housing. Proof of qualifying health coverage for a period during 60 days before the move is required.
    4. Other qualifying events. Many circumstances may qualify you for an SEP. These can include leaving incarceration, becoming a U.S. citizen, or experiencing a serious medical condition or natural disaster, such as an earthquake, massive flood, or hurricane that kept you from enrolling. For a more complete list of Qualifying Life Events, visit HealthCare.gov.  

Short-Term Medical Plan

If you’re looking for a health insurance plan to tide you over for a short period time, consider a short-term medical plan. A short-term medical policy can cover accidents and illness, and offer peace of mind during uncertain times. Short-term health insurance policies are a good option for someone who missed the Open Enrollment period, or anyone – such as a student leaving parental coverage or someone between jobs – looking for simple or more affordable health coverage until they are able to obtain major medical insurance. Please note, short-term plans do not meet the Affordable Care Act’s requirements for minimum essential coverage, and therefore would not exempt you from having to pay a penalty. You can get a quote for short-term insurance through our partner, VelaPoint Insurance, an independent insurance brokerage. Visit our Health Insurance Marketplace to complete the form online and compare your temporary health plan options.

Supplemental Insurance

Add flexibility and additional protection to your coverage with a supplemental plan. Consider stand-alone dental, vision, or accident supplemental coverage to help cover your bases. Visit our Health Insurance Marketplace to compare and shop dental, vision, and accident plans offered through our partner, VelaPoint Insurance.

Ready to compare custom health insurance quotes? Direct Auto can help you find short-term or supplemental coverage that meets your needs and budget. Get started with a quote by entering your information online or call one of our licensed agents at 1-855-851-0919.

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When Is ACA Open Enrollment? [INFOGRAPHIC]

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