A little known fact that most Idahoans are not aware of is that you only have 60 days after a Life Changing Event to reach out to Your Health Idaho to enroll in the Insurance Exchange. Most are not aware the Exchange has an Open Enrollment window like most work place providers and it is in November and December of every year. If you experience a disruption in your insurance coverage outside of the Open Enrollment time you must act quickly to decide if you want to take advantage of the COBRA program if offered to you or if you plan to purchase your insurance through the Exchange.
Sadly there are also many phishing websites out there that sound and look like the exchange website for Idaho but they are only out to steal your money and personal information. Be sure you are reaching out to "Your Health Idaho" by that name. You can also find them through our homepage "Click Here" button, the link on the bottom of this blog or you can simply call them at 1-855-944-3246 to request information. You can still purchase short term insurance but the cost is usually much greater and it provides less services than the insurance offered thru the exchange. Please read below and act quickly if any of this applies to you or your families situation.
Special Enrollment
Outside of Open Enrollment, coverage might still be available to you at Your Health Idaho. Certain life changing events can qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, which allows individuals and families to enroll in a new insurance plan. If you are enrolled already, a Special Enrollment Period allows you to change plans.
If you believe you have a life changing event that qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period, you will have 60 days from the date of your event to complete the following:
- Report your life changing event or change.
- Provide documentation to prove the event and eligibility.
- Select and enroll in a plan.
The life changing events listed below might qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. Select the life changing event that best represents your change to see a brief description and required documentation.
Loss of Health Insurance
Losing health insurance means that you stopped receiving insurance coverage that provided minimum essential benefits. Any loss of health insurance can be proved with a coverage letter from the carrier that shows cancelled or termed policy dates.
If you lost health insurance »
If you turned 26 and aged out of your health insurance coverage »
If you were just released from incarceration, or if the primary tax filer in your household started incarceration »
If you lost coverage because the primary tax filer in your household is deceased »
If your hardship exemption was cancelled »
Change in Household Size
Your family size and demographics can affect your eligibility for marketplace insurance.
If you gained a dependent »
If you are newly married »
If you divorced »
Change of Address
Moving in state, or your primary tax filer moving out of state, can affect you or your household’s ability or eligibility to get coverage through the marketplace. Not all moves will result in a Special Enrollment Period.
If you or your household made a permanent move »
Change in Financial Status
Your income change, and certain household financial changes, might allow you to change plans or apply newly received tax credits.
If your eligibility to receive health coverage assistance changed »
Special Circumstances
Exceptional circumstances can impact your insurance coverage or your access to enrollment resources.
For help understanding if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period because of a life changing event or other complex case, contact Your Health Idaho at 1-855-944-3246 or find an agent to assist you.
Complex changes and events might include »
Change in Marketplace Eligibility
If you have American Indian or Alaskan Native tribal status »
If you gained U.S. citizenship, legal presence, or refugee status »
For more info follow this link to Your Health Idaho: https://www.yourhealthidaho.org/
Special Enrollment page with added information: https://www.yourhealthidaho.org/howtoenroll/special-enrollment/
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