How to Apply For Immediate Health Insurance Coverage

Topics Regarding Health Insurance: Short-Term Medical

Finding immediate health insurance protection might be simple. Medicare Advisors can help you rapidly assess your alternatives so you can acquire coverage when you need it, whether you’re comparing plans during the Open Enrollment Period, have qualified for a Special Enrollment Period, or simply need health care as soon as possible.

Can I Get Medical Insurance Today?

Although you can enroll for medical insurance right now, your protection might not begin for a while. A short-term plan may start the day after you apply if you require coverage to begin as soon as possible. These policies have a short lifespan and few medical benefits.

You must hold off on signing up for a comprehensive health insurance plan until the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) begins if you require one, such as an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan (or you become eligible for a Special Enrollment Period). Even at certain times, your coverage might not begin until the first of the next month (or the first day of the next year).

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period is a 60-day period outside of the OEP during which eligible people and families can enroll in ACA coverage. If you’ve gone through certain life events, such as getting married, having a kid, getting a divorce, moving, or losing your health insurance, you might be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Markets operated by the federal and state governments may also offer Special Enrollment Periods without the need for specific life events. You can enroll in an ACA health insurance plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period during these prolonged Special Enrollment Periods.

What is the Open Enrollment Period?

The majority of Americans can sign up for an ACA health plan during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which occurs every year. November 1 to December 15 is the dates. You can only apply for an ACA health plan during this time period if you do not meet the requirements for a Special Enrollment Period.

How Much Do Affordable Care Act Plans Cost?

The cost of an Affordable Care Act plan might vary depending on your age, the size of your household, where you live in the US, the plan you choose, and whether you utilize it or not. Prescription medicines, emergency services, hospitalization, and maternity care are just a few of the ten core features that every ACA health plan is expected to offer.

In 2021, a bronze ACA plan will typically cost $328.1. You might, however, be qualified for premium tax breaks following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in April 2021. This can result in your family receiving a bronze or silver plan with no premium. 2

What Is Short-Term Medical Insurance, and What Does It Cover?

A sort of medical plan created to cover emergency treatments is short-term health insurance, commonly known as temporary insurance. These programs are not intended to take the place of comprehensive, long-term insurance. It’s crucial to review the services offered by each plan because short-term plan services differ by policy.

Generally speaking, not all of the Affordable Care Act’s 10 essential features are covered by short-term insurance. However, they can aid in acting as a financial safety net against the costs of numerous mishaps and illnesses. Depending on the plans offered in your area and the laws in your state, short-term plans can run anywhere from one month to three years.

How Much Does Short-Term Health Insurance Cost?

Your geographic location within the U.S., income, gender, age, household size, and tobacco use can all affect the average cost of a short-term health insurance plan. For instance, the average monthly cost for a short-term plan in Texas is about $245. * When examining short-term plans, though, don’t only focus on the premiums. You must weigh the cost and amount of coverage offered against the probable need for services and out-of-pocket expenses to determine the overall value.

Can You Get Temporary Health Insurance Between Jobs?

You can obtain temporary health insurance while looking for work, yes. This can be among the most typical justifications for buying a short-term plan. Buying coverage that has a maximum duration of 30 days can be beneficial.