The Virginia Bureau of Insurance recently issued a warning to Virginia residents to beware of high-pressure telemarketers selling short-term or limited benefit health insurance policies. We could not agree more. If you’re shopping for individual/family health insurance between February and November, be careful! These months fall outside open enrollment — the set time each year when anyone can buy Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant health insurance, for any reason. Unless you
Health Insurance for Graduates
Congratulations! You’ve graduated! Now what? For many new graduates, it’s time to think about health insurance! If you are entering the working world, you may be eligible for health insurance through your employer. But if you don’t get a job right away, you still need health insurance (it’s the law!) and you have a few options: 1 – Remain on Your Parent’s Health Plan If your parent’s health plan covers
Buying 2016 Health Insurance Outside of Open Enrollment
Health Insurance open enrollment for 2016 closed on January 31, 2016. Outside of Open Enrollment, you must have a qualifying event in order to purchase Affordable Care Act-compliant coverage which is effective in 2016. Examples of Qualifying Events for Health Insurance Change in marital status (marriage/divorce/death of a spouse) Relocation to a new state Change in family size (birth/adoption/death of a child) Loss of minimum essential health coverage (change in
What is a Special Enrollment Period for Health Insurance?
A special enrollment period (SEP) is a time outside of open enrollment* during which you can purchase a new health insurance policy. *Open enrollment for health insurance is a time each year when anyone can purchase or change a health insurance policy for any reason. For 2022 plans, open enrollment was November 1, 2021 – January 15, 2022. 2023 open enrollment will run from November 1, 2022 – January 15,
What is a Qualifying Event and What Should I Do if I Have One?
When it comes to health insurance, a qualifying event is a life event that makes you eligible to purchase health insurance outside the dates of open enrollment. A qualifying event triggers a special enrollment period lasting 30-60 days, depending on the event. Read more about special enrollment periods. Qualifying Events Change in marital status (marriage/divorce/death of a spouse) Relocation to a new state or to an area of your current
What are Key Dates for 2016 Health Insurance?
If you purchase health insurance for yourself or your family (vs. getting coverage through your employer), it is time to think about your 2016 coverage. Here are some dates to keep in mind: November 1, 2015. The start of Open Enrollment for 2016 health insurance. Open Enrollment is the time when you can apply for new health insurance coverage, or, if you already have coverage, you can pick a new
Buying Health Insurance in Virginia, Maryland, or DC
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made it mandatory for most Americans to have health insurance. In addition to making health insurance mandatory, the new law also makes health insurance guaranteed issue. This means you cannot be denied coverage for any reason — even if you have a pre-existing medical condition. If you live in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia, Virginia Medical Plans can help you get the
Buying 2015 Health Insurance Outside of Open Enrollment
Open enrollment for 2015 health insurance has ended. It ran from November 15, 2014 through February 15, 2015. Outside those dates, you must have a qualifying event in order to be eligible to purchase Affordable Care Act-compliant coverage which is effective in 2015. NOTE: Anthem has extended its deadline to purchase off-exchange 2015 coverage until February 28. Click here for more info. Examples of Qualifying Events Change in marital status
Can I Still Sign Up for 2015 Health Insurance?
Although time is running out, you CAN still sign up for 2015 health insurance. Open enrollment ends on February 15, 2015. This means you can purchase a new individual or family health insurance plan — for any reason — until that date. Once open enrollment ends, however, you will not be able to purchase 2015 individual or family coverage unless you have a qualifying event. Get Covered Now! Having health
Can I Still Sign Up for 2015 Health Insurance?
Yes! Open enrollment for 2015 health insurance runs until February 15, 2015. This means you can purchase a new individual or family health insurance plan — for any reason — until that date. Once open enrollment ends, however, you will not be able to purchase 2015 individual or family coverage unless you have a qualifying event. Effective Dates for 2015 Health Insurance The date your 2015 coverage is effective depends
