Open Enrollment 2022 -What You Need to Know

 Open Enrollment 2022

With the holiday season upon us,  the first thing that comes to mind is shopping. But make sure you check your lists; there may have been an item you forgot to shop for: Individual & Family Health Insurance.

Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed, you could face challenges signing up for individual health insurance. If you had a pre-existing condition(s), insurance carriers could deny you coverage or charge you higher rates.

After the passing of the ACA, you are now eligible to sign up and/or change your health insurance plans during the Open Enrollment Period, knowing that you will get coverage and not be charged higher rates for your health history

What is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is a period towards the end of the year where you can enroll in a family health insurance plan or make changes to an existing plan. For the 2022 plan year,  the Open Enrollment Period is from 11/1/2021 to 1/15/2022. It is important to know that you must enroll by December 15, 2021, if you want coverage for January 1^st, 2022. The enrollment period will remain open until January 15, 2022, but the policy effective date will be February 1, 2022.

• • • • If you have a current plan in place, you should receive 2 letters by November 1, 2021— one from your current insurance company and one from the Marketplace. Instructions and FAQs on how to renew, change, update, or cancel your health plan for 2022

Are there any exceptions due to Covid?

Covid Exceptions 2022 – The federal government has extended open enrollment until January 15, 2022, due to the spread of the coronavirus. For January 1^st coverage, you must apply by December 15, 2021.

I had a plan last year; do I have to enroll again?

If you have had health insurance in 2021, you can renew, change, or update your plan for 2022 during the 2022 Open Enrollment Period, November 1, 2021, to January 15, 2022.  Act by December 15, 2021, for coverage that starts January 1, 2022.  

• • • • You should receive 2 letters by November 1, 2021— one from your current insurance company and one from the Marketplace. Instructions and FAQs on how to renew, change, update, or cancel your health plan for 2022.

• • • • If you choose to change to a different insurance company, you must be sure to pay your initial premium timely to activate the new coverage.

Desert Mountain Insurance is a no-fees brokerage that helps individuals and families find the right plan.

If you would like us to help you find your plan for 2022, please visit our website or give us a call.

What happens if I miss Open Enrollment?

If you miss the Open Enrollment Period, you may still be eligible to sign up for an Affordable Care Act plan if you or your family have a qualifying life event.

Those who have a qualifying life event enter a Special Enrollment Period. Some common reasons you may enter a Special Enrollment Period are:

If you or anyone in your household had the following qualifying event occur in the past 60 days:

(Additional qualifying factors may apply)

• • • • Got married
      • Had a baby, adopted a child, or placed a child for foster care.
      • Got divorced or legally separated and lost health insurance.
      • Died (as a result you are now no longer eligible for your current health plan)
      • Moved to a new home in a new ZIP code or county
      • Moved to the U.S. from a foreign country or U.S. territory
      • Moved to or from the place you attend school
      • Moved to or from the place you live or work (Seasonal workers)
      • Moved to or from a shelter or other transitional housing
      • Lost job-based coverage or expect to lose coverage in the next 60 days
      • Aged out of a parent’s health insurance plan (Age 26)
      • Losing individual health coverage for a plan or policy you bought yourself
      • Losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP
      • Losing coverage through a family member
      • Becoming newly eligible for Marketplace coverage because you became a U.S. citizen

 Desert Mountain Insurance can help you determine if you qualify for Special Enrollment and what to do if you don’t. 

Call us today for a FREE EVALUATION of the types of coverage available to you!

What happens if I miss Open Enrollment and do not have a qualifying life event?

Those who did not enroll in coverage by the end of the Open Enrollment Period and do not have a qualifying life event are still able to get health insurance. However, the plans are not regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Short-term coverage is the closest thing you can get to “real” health insurance.

Short Term health insurance plans are non-ACA compliant, so health questions can be asked on the application. Short Term health insurance most frequently provides temporary coverage for times when you face a gap in your health insurance coverage. One of the most common reasons people elect short term medical insurance is:

• • • • If you are without health insurance due to missing Open Enrollment and don’t qualify for Special Enrollment or miss your 60-day Special Enrollment window.

Short-term health insurance is a way to provide coverage for you or your family until you are eligible for a qualified health plan.

Where can I sign up for insurance?

Available plans for 2022 can be quoted by Desert Mountain Insurance Services as well as through the marketplace. Desert Mountain Insurance is a no-fees brokerage that helps individuals and families find the right plan. Choosing a health insurance plan can be an arduous process; we want to help you make an informed choice for the upcoming year and years to come. Being a brokerage allows us the ability to work with the leading carriers in Arizona and help you find the right plan for you.

If you would like us to help you find your plan for 2022, please visit our website or give us a call.

Helpful tools:

Request a Quote

Healthcare.gov

Instructions and FAQs on how to renew, change, update, or cancel your health plan for 2022

Calculator – Will you be eligible for a subsidy?  

Glossary of common insurance terms