by James LaCorte | May 29, 2019 | Health Insurance, Understanding Insurance | 0 comments

Each year, you make important decisions about your health insurance coverage. You do the research, do the math, and sign up for the plan that’s best for you and your family. Maybe that’s individual coverage purchased through a local insurance agent or online. Or, maybe you’re covered by a plan offered through a job. No matter how you buy your health insurance, once you sign up, you’re locked in until open enrollment begins agai

One Step Closer to Solving the Health Care Cost Mystery But, life happens and situations change. We understand that. In the health insurance industry, these important life changes are called “qualifying life events”. When you experience a qualifying life event, you become eligible for a special enrollment period, allowing you to sign up for coverage or update your current plan. This is your chance to make necessary changes or to choose new or different coverage based on your needs.

Qualifying for special enrollment

Some qualifying life events include:

• Getting married
• Having a baby or adopting a child
• Losing other health coverage due to events, such as a job loss
• Moving permanently to a new state. Note: Temporary moves or temporary changes in location, including long-term stays at hospitals, are not qualifying events.
• Turning 26 and losing eligibility for coverage on a parent’s insurance plan
• Experiencing a change in income or household size while enrolled in a subsidized health insurance plan through the federal health insurance marketplace (commonly referred to as “the Exchange”) Note: This particular circumstance can impact your subsidy eligibility or amount.[1] Failure to report these changes to the Exchange may result in a tax penalty.

Experiencing any of the circumstances above will likely qualify you for special enrollment.  Experienced a qualifying life event? Know your insurance options. Click To Tweet

Deadlines for applying

If you’ve experienced a qualifying life event, it’s important to shop for and choose new health insurance right away. Generally, a special enrollment period is only available up to 60 days after the qualifying event. After that, you may not be able to add or update your health insurance coverage until the next open enrollment period begins.

 How to Apply

If you qualify and are ready to take advantage of the special enrollment period by signing up for health insurance, here are some things to consider:

1. Explore your coverage options and any subsidies for which you may qualify.[2]  You can do this by visiting our website, calling us, visiting one of our 7 retail stores or through a local insurance agent.
2. Gather any documentation you may need to report your change in eligibility. The necessary documents will depend on your specific circumstances, but might include:
   • Proof of residency
   • A marriage or birth certificate
   • Proof of loss of essential health coverage
3. Apply for new coverage
   • If you need an individual or family plan and you can visit our Qualifying Life Events page to get started
   • If you’re currently covered by an employer-based plan, you should contact your Human Resources representative and consult your plan materials
4. Or, update your existing coverage:
   • Log in to Blue Connect and go to the Manage Your Policy section.

Knowing your options and taking advantage of special enrollment periods can protect you when life throws unexpected challenges your way. That’s good for your health and great for your peace of mind.

Questions?

If you’re a current customer, be sure to visit Blue Cross NC online or download this intro guide for tips on getting care, managing your plan and how to stay healthy. If you have questions please reach out to us by calling the Customer Service number on your insurance card, stop by one of our retail locations or contact a local sales agent.    

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sources: [1] Only the federal health insurance marketplace can determine eligibility or continued eligibility for and the amount of any subsidy. [2] Subsidies are only available for plans purchased through the federal health insurance marketplace.  Only the federal health insurance marketplace can determine eligibility for and the amount of any subsidy.

About James LaCorte

James LaCorte is a Social Media Manager and has been employed by Blue Cross North Carolina since 2003. He has built his career working in a variety of areas across the company. When not working you can find him kayaking a local river, photographing a nature scene, or running around with his family.