What to Do If You Missed the Deadline to Get Health Insurance
Introduction
Open enrollment for health coverage through Healthcare.gov ended Saturday, but there are still ways to get health insurance if you missed the deadline. Here's how you can still secure coverage and avoid being uninsured.
Image Description: A calendar showing the missed health insurance enrollment deadline date.
State Exchanges
While enrollment on the federal health care exchanges ended, some states with their own exchanges have different deadlines. You can still buy health insurance in states like California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C. Check our state-by-state guide to open enrollment for exact deadlines.
Image Description: Infographic showing states with open health insurance exchanges and their deadlines.
Special Enrollment Periods
Certain life events can trigger a special enrollment period, allowing you to sign up for health insurance. These periods generally last up to 60 days after the qualifying event. Here are some common qualifying events:
Changes in Household
- Getting married
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Getting divorced or legally separated and losing health insurance
- Having someone in your household die
Changes in Residence
- Moving to a new home in a new ZIP code or county
- Moving to the U.S. from a foreign country
- If you're a student, moving to or from the place you attend school
- If you're a seasonal worker, moving to or from the place you live and work
- Moving to or from a shelter or transitional housing
Loss of Health Coverage
- Losing job-based coverage
- Losing individual health coverage
- Losing eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP
- Losing eligibility for Medicare
- Losing coverage through a family member
Image Description: Infographic listing life events that qualify for special enrollment periods.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program for low-income people. You can apply for Medicaid any time of the year. States set their own standards for eligibility, mostly based on income, disability, pregnancy, age, household size, and household role. Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid to cover all residents making less than 133% of the poverty line. To see the requirements where you live, check our state-by-state guide to Medicaid.
Image Description: Infographic explaining Medicaid eligibility and state expansion details.
Health Insurance Alternatives
If none of the above routes are available, consider alternative health care options:
Off-Exchange Plans
These policies cover the same benefits as Obamacare plans but aren't eligible for subsidies. Some private insurers sell off-exchange plans all year.
Short-Term Health Plans
Short-term plans cost less than marketplace plans but offer less robust coverage. They may not cover pre-existing conditions or may cap coverage for certain services like hospital stays. Be sure to ask these questions if considering a short-term plan.
Health Care Sharing Ministries
Faith-based alternatives to traditional health insurance, where participants pay a monthly "sharing amount" similar to a premium. These ministries aren't subject to Obamacare rules and can set their own guidelines for members.
Image Description: Infographic detailing alternative health insurance options like off-exchange plans, short-term plans, and health care sharing ministries.
Skipping Health Insurance
Starting in 2019, there was no penalty for going without health insurance. However, paying for a medical emergency out-of-pocket could be much costlier than the price of health insurance. Medical bills are a leading cause of financial problems, so weigh your risks carefully.
Image Description: Infographic highlighting the risks of skipping health insurance despite no penalty.
Conclusion
Missing the health insurance enrollment deadline doesn’t mean you have to go without coverage. Explore state exchanges, special enrollment periods, Medicaid, and alternative health insurance options to ensure you’re protected. Weigh your options carefully to find the best solution for your health and financial situation.
Image Description: Infographic summarizing options available for obtaining health insurance after missing the deadline.
