About 60 percent of Americans who have health insurance receive coverage through their employer, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But what if your employer stops offering health insurance?
The good news
Although the open enrollment period for health insurance is over, losing job-based health insurance is a qualifying life event (QLE), which means Jason qualifies for a special enrollment period. A special enrollment period allows you and your family to enroll in or change your health plan outside of the open enrollment period.
Losing employer-sponsored health insurance isn’t the only qualifying life event. Other QLEs include moving to a new state, getting married or aging out of your parents’ health plan. If you’ve had a life change, you may be able to enroll in a new health plan through a health insurance carrier or the federal health insurance marketplace. Don’t forget to check if you’re eligible for a subsidy—you could reduce the cost of your monthly premium and out-of-pocket expenses if you qualify.
You qualify, now what?
The sooner you take action, the better. Don’t let time escape you after you’ve lost coverage— you’re only allowed 60 days following a QLE to make changes to or enroll in a new health plan. Once you’re enrolled, your new coverage typically takes effect as quickly as the first day of the following month from the date you lost coverage.
Don’t go uninsured.
If you opt to forgo health insurance for all or part of the year, you won’t be able to enroll in an insurance plan until the next open enrollment period. Plus, you may have to pay a tax penalty. More importantly, this means you won’t be covered in the event of an unexpected illness or injury, which could be financially devastating as the average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is approximately $30,000, according to Healthcare.gov.
If you have questions about your coverage options, consult with a licensed insurance agent or request information from a trusted insurance provider. These resources are available to make sure you get a plan that’s right for you and your family. Whether you opt in to COBRA coverage or enroll in a plan during a special enrollment period, the most important thing is that you and your family are covered.
Cosmo Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency serving surrounding communities in New Jersey. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating the latest in technology-based tools and laws on healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance and finance, we keep our clients up-to-date with the plans that encompass all of their needs, whether it is individual or group insurance.
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