Healthcare.gov (Obamacare) Enrollment Reopens on February 15, 2021

For those who have been without health insurance during the pandemic, your second chance is here.  In January 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order to open the federal health insurance marketplace for three months starting February 15, 2021 so uninsured people can buy a plan and those who want to change their marketplace coverage can do so.

What is Healthcare.Gov?

HealthCare.gov is a website run by the United States government. It is sometimes called the Healthcare Exchange. The Insurance Marketplace helps uninsured people find health coverage. When you fill out the Marketplace application, they will tell you if you qualify for:

1. Private insurance plans. Click through to see whether you qualify for lower costs based on your household size and income. Plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, and preventive care. If you do not qualify for lower costs, you can still use the Marketplace to buy insurance at the standard price.
2. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs provide coverage to millions of families with limited income. If it looks like you qualify, you can access information with your state agency and they will contact you.

4 Tips about the Health Insurance Marketplace

1. You can enroll in 2021 health insurance

You can enroll in Marketplace health coverage now through May 15 due to the coronavirus emergency. If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, due to a life event like losing other coverage, getting married, moving, or having a baby, you can enroll any time.

2. You can enroll in Medicaid/CHIP any time of year.

There's no limited enrollment period for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If you qualify, coverage can begin immediately.

3. Don’t forget to pay your monthly premium

When you have Marketplace insurance, you'll pay your premiums directly to the insurance company — not to the Health Insurance Marketplace. Your coverage won't start until you pay your first premium. Get more information on completing your enrollment.

4. Stay healthy & get the care you need

You can get health care many different places, including the emergency department. But it’s best to get routine care and recommended preventive services from a primary care provider. They’ll work with you to ensure you get the right services, manage chronic conditions, and improve your general health and well-being. Generally, you can find primary care providers in offices, clinics, and health centers.

Can you receive financial assistance?

According to Healthcare.gov, about 90% of their members are suitable for financial assistance, which will help them settle their insurance coverage. If your household income is between 138 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level, you might be eligible for a tax credit that would help reduce the cost of your monthly premium. Whatever the circumstance, if you need a certified insurance broker that can get you the coverage that you've been looking for, Skyline Benefit is only a phone call away from working with you to get you the coverage that you need. For more information about our insurance services, or if you have any questions about Healthcare.gov, you can contact us at (480) 618-6688 today. You can also click here to get a quote and sign up.