Fast Facts About the 2021 Open Enrollment Period

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act plan, which goes more commonly by Obamacare, millions of eligible Americans have the opportunity to shop for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. During a period known as Open Enrollment, those who are eligible have access to affordable health coverage for both themselves and qualifying family members. In the state of California, Open Enrollment begins on November 1, 2020, and carries on until January 31, 2021. For help finding a plan for either your family or your business, you can contact the agents at Sackett and Associates Insurance Services, a health insurance broker Santa Rosa residents are familiar with.

Coverage Limitations With Open Enrollment

For those seeking health insurance, there are some things to note about ACA plans through the Marketplace. First and foremost, these plans are restricted to personal, individual, or family use. Business owners cannot use this site to find group health insurance or coverage plans for their employees. While California employees may be eligible as an individual entity to apply for coverage through the Marketplace, businesses are not able to provide benefit plans through these services.

Coverage Options During Open Enrollment

When the window of enrollment opens, there are three options residents in California have when selecting coverage. They are as follows:

1. Residents can buy a plan through Covered California: If your total household income falls between 128% and 400% of the federal poverty, enrolling through the Marketplace can help you qualify for a tax credit (which can help lower the overall costs of the premiums).
2. Residents can change or renew a current plan: When open enrollment occurs, it is the opportunity to change or renew an existing plan. If you want to keep what you already have, you don’t have to take any additional steps. It may be that you have to change plans because your provider leaves the coverage network or your medications are no longer covered under the plan.
3. Residents can enroll in Medi-Cal: For those whose income is below 128% of the Federal Poverty Level, you will qualify for Medi-Cal. This is Medicaid for California residents.

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Coverage Not Limited To Open Enrollment

The majority of health insurers in California rely on an open enrollment program to sign up new individuals. There are a few exceptions to this practice. For anyone who is eligible to receive Medi-Cal, enrollment can take place at any time. Additionally, families who qualify to participate in the Children’s Health Insurance Program don’t have to wait until open enrollment to place their kids under healthcare coverage.

 
Coverage Participants in Open Enrollment

Those who are United States citizens and legal or national residents of the U.S. are able to purchase healthcare from an Obamacare provider. Those holding a non-immigrant status but who have a valid worker visa, as well as asylees, refugees, and green card holders are also able to find coverage under the ACA. Those who are incarcerated or who currently carry a Medicare plan aren’t able to use Marketplace for coverage.

Coverage Advice During Open Enrollment

Under the ACA, health insurance has been made accessible for most Americans. If you need more information on how to find the right plan for your family or your business, contact the Sackett and Associates Insurance Services team of experts at 707-823-3689.