Extension Announcement
The hardships brought on by the ongoing pandemic have brought about changes in the 2021 Special Enrollment Period for Marketplace health insurance. President Biden announced towards the end of March that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would be extending the Special Enrollment Period to August 15, 2021. This decision will provide an additional three months for the new and current participants to enroll or switch to a more affordable coverage plan. Additionally, April 1st will begin new savings through increased premium tax credits.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Beccera stated, “Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care—especially as we fight back against the Covid-19 pandemic.” “Through this Special Enrollment Period, the Biden Administration is giving the American people the chance they need to find an affordable health care plan that works for them. The American Rescue Plan will bring costs down for millions of Americans, and I encourage consumers to visit HealthCare.gov and sign up for a plan before August 15.”
Increased Savings
The Special Enrollment period had been previously reopened until May 15, 2021. However, the new extension, along with increased savings and aid, is estimated to provide healthcare access to an additional 14.9 million Americans. Under the new American Rescue Plan, anyone that is eligible for premium tax credits will have access to at least two coverage plans that do not exceed 8.5% of their household income. This will bring about an estimated average savings of $50 per person per month. With the increased savings, currently enrolled consumers may be able to find an upgraded coverage plan with a similar or improved premium compared to what they are currently paying.
Consumers who have been receiving or deemed eligible to receive unemployment benefits during 2021 may be able to receive extra help in addition to the savings that will begin on April 1st. The additional savings for those individuals will become available towards the beginning of July.
How to Enroll
Currently, 36 states use the HealthCare.gov platform for Marketplace health coverage. Consumers interested in enrolling or checking their eligibility for the Special Enrollment Period should visit the site for more information. Americans living in states with a State-based Marketplace should visit their state’s website to check for any Special Enrollment periods.
Got Medicare Questions?
We hope you find this information about the extended Special Enrollment Period to be helpful.
If you have questions about your Medicare coverage, call Empower Brokerage today. We would love to help answer any questions you may have. Call 1-888-446-9157 or click here to get an INSTANT QUOTE
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