Tag Archives: After

How to Get Health Insurance After Open Enrollment Missing the annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for health insurance doesn’t mean you’re out of options

June 19, 2025   Health Insurance

Whether due to a job loss, relocation, marriage, or another qualifying life event, you may still be eligible for coverage outside the standard enrollment window. Here’s a guide to securing health insurance after Open Enrollment has ended.

1. Check If You Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

A Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in or change your health insurance outside of the standard Open Enrollment timeframe. You may qualify for an SEP if you experience a major life event, such as:

  • Losing existing coverage:

    • (e.g., job-based insurance, Medicaid, or COBRA expiration)

  • Moving:

    • to a new ZIP code or county

  • Getting married or divorced:
  • Having or adopting a child:
  • Changes in household income:

    • affecting eligibility for subsidies

    You typically have 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll in a new plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov or your state exchange).

    2. Explore Medicaid or CHIP

    Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide low-cost or free coverage to eligible individuals and families. Unlike Marketplace plans, these programs accept applications year-round. Eligibility depends on income, household size, and state-specific rules.

    3. Consider Short-Term Health Insurance

    If you don’t qualify for an SEP, short-term health insurance can provide temporary coverage (usually 1–12 months, with possible renewals). These plans are often more affordable but may exclude pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits.

    4. Look Into COBRA Continuation Coverage

    If you’ve lost employer-sponsored insurance, COBRA allows you to keep the same plan for up to 18 months (sometimes longer). However, you’ll pay the full premium, including the portion your employer previously covered, which can be expensive.

    5. Check for Other Exceptions

    Some situations allow enrollment outside Open Enrollment, such as:

  • Becoming a U.S. citizen:
  • Leaving incarceration:
  • Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe:

    • 6. Prepare for the Next Open Enrollment

    If none of the above options apply, mark your calendar for the next Open Enrollment Period (typically November 1 – January 15 in most states). In the meantime, consider alternative options like community health clinics or telehealth services for basic medical needs.

    Final Thoughts

    While missing Open Enrollment limits your options, you still have pathways to secure coverage. Review your eligibility for a Special Enrollment Period, Medicaid, or short-term plans, and act quickly if you experience a qualifying life event. For personalized assistance, consult a licensed insurance agent or visit Healthcare.gov.

    Would you like help finding specific plans in your area? Let me know—I’d be happy to guide you further!

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    Looking After Your Dog, Part Six – Dog Health Insurance

    February 21, 2022   Health Insurance

    Looking After Your Dog, Part Six – Dog Health Insurance

    Pet health insurance is not a novel idea by any means. The concept has been around for 15-20 years. Many people believe that having medical insurance for a pet is not justified, and is rather something that depicts indulgence. However, the truth is that pet health insurance has nothing to do with being lavish. It purely depends on how much you care for your pet. It is the question of whether you consider your pet a part of your family, and therefore, would want to have it insured.

    Pet health insurance plans take several aspects into consideration before awarding an insurance cover. The decision may be based on several considerations – species, age, pre-existing health conditions and lifestyle of the pet (i.e. a docile one compared to one of a sports dog). A few of the pet insurance companies don’t have an age limit. However, it’s easier to get pet health insurance if your pet isn’t too old. Therefore, insurance schemes typically start off at an early age of around 6 weeks for a dog.

    The decision to have pet health insurance also depends a lot on your pet’s current health. If, God forbid, your canine is suffering from a fatal ailment, then there is no point having him insured. Moreover, getting insurance in such a case is all the more difficult to say the least. Pet health insurance costs vary widely owing much to the broad variety of insurance packages available. Comprehensive pet health insurance schemes cover the costs of annual checkups, vaccinations, routine care and preventive medications, and spay/neuter surgeries. Partial plans only cover accident and illness costs.

    Insurance schemes are not for everyone. It might be the case that your dog’s current health condition does not satisfy the requirements of the insurance company. But you should not be disheartened in such a scenario. Some medical facilities offer pet wellness packages, which allow you to avail vaccinations and pet health checkups at discounted prices. You could go ahead for one such scheme.

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