In the world of health insurance, two Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) exist. This is important to know if you are under the age of 65 and want to enroll in health insurance or are currently participating in Medicare and want to change plans.
Let’s look at the SEP for people under 65 first:
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a time outside the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1st – December 15th) when you can sign up for health insurance.
When many people under the age of 65 think of health insurance, they think they cannot afford it. As a result, some people choose to opt out of insurance completely. What these people do not know is they may qualify for a subsidy, money provided to them to help pay for health insurance premiums. The COVID relief bill passed earlier this year provided new subsidy rates, resulting in more people becoming eligible for these subsidies. This means affordable health insurance is now available to many who previously could not afford it!
As an example, you may qualify for a subsidy if:
- You are an individual making less than $51,040
- You have a household size of two and make less than $68,960
- You have a household size of three and make less than 86,880
- You have a household size of four and make less than $104,800
Now for the SEP for those participating in Medicare:
If you currently receive Medicare, you would normally need to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15th – November 7th) in the fall to make a change. However, a SEP has been created that allows you change Medicare plans now instead waiting until the fall. Please note, however, you will still need to meet eligibility requirements. But if you do qualify, you can change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, change among various Medicare Advantage Plans, or change Prescription Drug Plans. This SEP ends September 30th of 2021.
Insurance can be confusing to say the least! No matter your age, if you need health benefits or want to review your existing benefits, please contact me. My goal is to help you understand your options and simplify the process of finding the right insurance for your needs and budget. And my consultation is provided at no charge. Contact me today to set up a time to review your needs!
