Monthly Archives: September 2019

Stay ahead of the deadline with 2020 Open Enrollment reminders

2020 Open Enrollment is almost here! You can apply for or renew your coverage November 1 through December 15, 2019. Sign up for deadline reminders, useful tips, and more so you don’t miss your chance to enroll.

Image: {Person uses smartphone to connect with HealthCare.gov for important updates"}

3 ways to stay connected with the Marketplace

  • Get important email or text updates. Visit the HealthCare.gov homepage, and enter your email address under “Get Important News & Updates.” Click “Sign Up.”
  • Connect with someone in your community who can answer your questions. Enter your ZIP code for a list of groups and people near you. Some even offer help in languages other than English.
  • Find us on social media. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for late-breaking news and important updates.
Key 2020 Marketplace enrollment dates & deadlines

Open Enrollment for 2020 Marketplace coverage is less than 2 months away! Make sure you don’t miss the deadline by adding these important dates to your calendar:

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2020 important dates & deadlines

  • 2020 Open Enrollment starts Friday, November 1, 2019.
  • The last day to sign up for 2020 coverage is Sunday, December 15, 2019.
  • Coverage for people who sign up during Open Enrollment starts January 1, 2020.

Note: All 2019 Marketplace plans end December 31, 2019, no matter when you enrolled.

Need coverage for the rest of 2019?

You may have other options to get or change coverage outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period. Answer these questions to see if you can apply or change through a Special Enrollment Period for the rest of 2019. You can also enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program
(CHIP)
anytime. If you’re eligible, coverage can begin immediately.

Key 2020 Marketplace enrollment dates & deadlines

Open Enrollment for 2020 Marketplace coverage is less than 2 months away! Make sure you don’t miss the deadline by adding these important dates to your calendar:

2020 important dates & deadlines

2020 Open Enrollment starts Friday, November 1, 20…

3 benefits Marketplace health plans must cover

All Marketplace plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, and preventive care. This is true for all plan categories (all “metal levels,” including Catastrophic plans) and all plan types (like HMO and PPO). Starting November 1, 2019, you can enroll in or renew a plan for 2020, so you can continue to get these benefits.

Image: {A doctor explains what Marketplace plans cover to patient"}

What are essential health benefits?

  • Essential health benefits cover doctor’s visits, prescriptions, hospitalizations, pregnancy, and more. See the full list.
  • These benefits are covered by all Marketplace plans. Specific services covered in each broad benefit category may vary based on your state’s requirements.

Is treatment for my pre-existing condition covered?

  • All Marketplace plans must cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions. This means no insurance plan can reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits for any condition you had before your coverage started.
  • If you’re pregnant when you apply, an insurance plan can’t reject you or charge you more because of your pregnancy.

Are preventive health services included with Marketplace coverage?

  • Marketplace plans cover a set of preventive services, like shots and screening tests, which are free to you when delivered by a doctor in your plan’s network.
  • There are 3 sets of free preventive services for adults, women, and children. Check out the lists here.

Note: Health plans can offer other benefits, like vision, dental, or medical management programs for a specific disease or condition. You’ll see exactly what each plan offers when you compare on HealthCare.gov.

3 benefits Marketplace health plans must cover

All Marketplace plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, and preventive care. This is true for all plan categories (all “metal levels,” including Catastrophic plans) and all plan types (like HMO and PPO). Starting November 1, 201…

Can you get health coverage for the rest of 2019?

Outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period, you can only enroll in or change coverage if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for a Marketplace plan, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Image: {A couple with new baby in a living room with moving boxes"}

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Important: Even if none of the options on this page work for you, you can apply for 2020 Marketplace coverage starting November 1, 2019.{% endbox %}

Do I qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?

If you experience certain types of life changes — like losing health coverage, getting married, or having a baby — you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Marketplace plan for the rest of 2019.

If you know you qualify, create an account or log into an existing one to start a Marketplace application. If you’re not sure you qualify, answer a few fast questions to find out.

Do I qualify for Medicaid or CHIP?

You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP any time of year.

To apply, fill out a Marketplace application or apply directly through your state Medicaid agency. Get more information on applying for Medicaid/CHIP.

Can you get health coverage for the rest of 2019?

Outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period, you can only enroll in or change coverage if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for a Marketplace plan, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Important: Even if none of th…

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