Last Date to Purchase Health Insurance for 2014
Do you know the last day you can purchase health insurance for 2014 and avoid a penalty under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
The answer is March 31, 2014*
*A qualifying event like a change in marital or employment status, birth or adoption of a child, etc. will allow you to obtain 2014 coverage outside of the open enrollment period which ends on 3/31/14.
If you didn’t know that, you are not alone.
The results of a recent poll by bankrate.com show that fewer than half the people surveyed knew of the March 31, 2014 deadline.
Furthermore, only 29% of respondents believe the government will actually stick to that date.
We can tell you with near certainty — the March 31 deadline is here to stay!
Coverage Enrollment Date Determines Effective Date
Many people have no idea, however, that the date you choose to enroll in coverage will determine the effective date of that coverage. Take a look at the chart below for an explanation of how the dates work.
| If you applied between … | Your coverage is effective … |
| October 1, 2013 – December 23, 2013 | January 1, 2014 |
| December 16, 2013 – January 15, 2014 | February 1, 2014 |
| January 16, 2014 – February 15, 2014 | March 1, 2014 |
| If you apply between … | Your coverage will be effective … |
| February 16, 2014 – March 15, 2014 | April 1, 2014 |
| March 16, 2014 – March 31, 2014 | May 1, 2014 |
In general, if you enroll or apply for coverage on or before the 15th of a month, your coverage will begin the first day of the following month. However, if you enroll between the 16th and the last day of any given month, your coverage will not begin until the first day of the month after next.
Don’t have 2014 coverage yet? Contact our office right away to get started, or use the buttons on the right for instant quotes.
You can reach us by phone 1-800-867-0800 or email jkatz@vamedicalplans.com.
Please be patient as we continue to manage a high volume of calls and emails.
