Special Enrollment Period
A Special Enrollment Period is a time outside of the Annual Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance coverage through Access Health CT. To qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you must prove that you have a Qualifying Life Event. If you have a Qualifying Life Event, your Special Enrollment Period will generally last 60 days from the date of the event. If you qualify for Medicaid/CHIP, or if you are an American Indian or Alaska Native, you can enroll in coverage any time of the year.
Common Qualifying Life Events
Qualifying Life Events open a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in health insurance anytime of year. Typically, you have 60 days from the date of your Qualifying Life Event to begin an application. You will also be required to verify your qualifying life event in order for your coverage to begin.
Losing coverage through your employer or certain changes to employer contributions to Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSERA) including gain of one.
Exhaustion of COBRA coverage. Early termination of COBRA coverage does not qualify as a QLE.
Losing your coverage due to job change. Voluntary cancellation of coverage or termination by the insurer due to non-payment of monthly payments (premiums) does not qualify as a QLE.
Click here to see a full list of Qualifying Life Events.
Enrollment Checklist:
What you need to complete an application
Have this information for yourself and anyone in your household applying for coverage:
• Dates of Birth
• Social Security numbers
• Visa, green card or immigration documents
• Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, Form 1099
• Current insurance coverage
• Paystubs, Profit & Loss statements, or other employment information to confirm income for everyone in your tax household
Frequently Asked Questions: Special Enrollment Period
1. What is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021?
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) which President Biden signed into law on March 11, will make health insurance coverage more affordable and accessible for many Connecticut residents during the current health crisis, by virtually eliminating or vastly reducing monthly payments (premiums) for many people with low and moderate incomes who enroll through Access Health CT; and providing new financial help for people with somewhat higher incomes who can face high premiums.
2. What is a Special Enrollment Period?
A Special Enrollment Period is a special window of time during the year when you can enroll in health and/or dental insurance coverage through Access Health CT. To get a Special Enrollment Period, you must prove that you have a Qualifying Life Event – and you will have 60 days from the date of that event to complete an application with Access Health CT. Please note that if you qualify for Medicaid/CHIP, or if you are an American Indian or Alaska Native, you can enroll any time of year.
3. What is a Qualifying Life Event?
A change in your life — like losing health coverage, getting married, having a baby or moving to Connecticut— that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period. Click here to see a full list of Qualifying Life Events.
4. When will my coverage begin?
You will need to verify your Qualifying Life Event in order for your coverage to begin. Specific start date will depend on your situation.
5. How to provide Special Enrollment Verification: Proof of Your Qualifying Life Event
Once you’ve selected a plan, you will be asked to send proof of your Qualifying Life Event within 30 days. We have to verify that information before your application can be processed. More information here. • After you enroll, we may also ask for proof of other information in your application, such as your annual income or identity. Make sure that you respond to our requests for documents or information! More information here.
6. How do I start an application?
- Online at AccessHealthCT.com
- By Phone at 1-855-805-4325
- In Person
- Navigator Locations
- AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help”
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