Are you an Arizona resident who missed the deadline and now needs health insurance after open enrollment? Don’t worry – you’re not alone, and you still have options.
At Arizona Health Insurance Experts, we understand that life doesn’t always align perfectly with enrollment deadlines. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the various ways you can still secure health coverage for you and your family, even after the open enrollment period has ended.
Why You Might Need Health Insurance After Open Enrollment
Before we dive into your options, let’s quickly address why you might need health insurance after open enrollment. Perhaps you:
- Procrastinated and missed the January 15 deadline
- Recently lost your job-based coverage
- Moved to Arizona from another state
- Got married or divorced
- Had a baby or adopted a child
- Turned 26 and aged out of your parents’ plan
Whatever your reason, finding coverage as soon as possible is critical to protecting your health and financial well-being. Here are some of the options available to you.
Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
One of the most common ways to get health insurance after open enrollment is through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are triggered by specific life events, giving you a 60-day window to enroll in a health plan.
Qualifying events include:
- Loss of health coverage (e.g., job loss, aging out of a parent’s plan)
- Changes in household (marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or death)
- Changes in when you live (moving to a new ZIP code or county)
- Other qualifying events (becoming a U.S. citizen, leaving incarceration)
If you’ve experienced any of these events, you may be eligible to enroll in an ACA plan for health insurance after open enrollment ends.
With the help of an independent health insurance broker, you can find out if your circumstances qualify for a SEP, guiding you through the process and helping you find the best plan for your needs.
Apply for Medicaid or CHIP
In Arizona, Medicaid is known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). If your income is below a certain threshold, you may qualify for AHCCCS at any time during the year.
These programs provide comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost to eligible individuals and families.
Consider Short-Term Health Insurance
Another option for health insurance after open enrollment is to sign up for a short-term health insurance plan. These plans can provide temporary coverage when you’re between major medical policies. These plans typically offer lower premiums but also provide less comprehensive coverage than ACA-compliant plans.
In Arizona, short-term policies are good up to 364 days and can be renewed for up to 36 months. While they don’t cover pre-existing conditions or essential health benefits like ACA plans do, they can offer some protection against unexpected medical expenses.
Keep in mind that short-term plans are not a long-term solution and don’t meet the ACA’s minimum essential coverage requirements. However, they can be a good stopgap measure while you wait for the next open enrollment period or become eligible for other coverage.
Explore Job-Based Coverage
If you’re employed, check with your employer about health insurance options. Some companies offer health benefits to new employees or allow current employees to enroll outside of the company’s usual open enrollment period.
Even if you initially declined coverage, you might be able to enroll now if you’ve experienced a qualifying life event. Don’t hesitate to speak with your HR department about your options.
Look into Professional or Trade Association Plans
Are you a member of a professional organization or trade association? Some of these groups offer health insurance plans to their members. While these plans may not always be ACA-compliant, they can provide an alternative source for health insurance after open enrollment.
Explore Private Insurance Plans
One of the most popular options for health insurance after open enrollment is to obtain coverage through a private health insurance plan.
These individual health insurance and family health plans can also be an excellent option for those who don’t qualify for subsidies on the marketplace or are looking for more diverse plan options.
Key points about private insurance plans:
- They’re available year-round, not just during open enrollment
- They must still meet ACA requirements for essential health benefits
- You won’t be eligible for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions
- They may offer more flexibility in terms of network size or plan design
Private plans can be a good fit if you’re above the income threshold for marketplace subsidies or if you have specific healthcare needs that aren’t well-served by marketplace plans.
The easiest way to find out your options for private insurance plans is to speak with an independent health insurance broker. They can help you compare private plans with marketplace options to find the best fit for your situation.
Utilize COBRA Continuation Coverage
If you’ve recently lost job-based health insurance, you may to explore COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) continuation coverage. These plans allow you to keep your previous employer’s health plan for a limited time, usually up to 18 months.
Of course, COBRA comes with pros and cons. On the positive side, you will be able to maintain comprehensive coverage and continue seeing your current healthcare providers. This is particularly valuable if you’re in the midst of treatments or have ongoing health concerns.
That said, COBRA can be quite expensive, since you will be paying your full premium plus an administrative fee.
Before you sign up for COBRA coverage, we highly recommend contacting a local health insurance broker, who can help you weigh the costs and benefits of COBRA against other available options.
How an Arizona Independent Health Insurance Broker Can Help
Trying to get health insurance after open enrollment can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Independent health insurance brokers right in your neighborhood are ready to guide you through your options and help you find the best coverage for your unique situation, completely free of charge.
We understand the intricacies of Arizona’s health insurance market and can:
- Assess your eligibility for Special Enrollment Periods
- Compare short-term plans and other alternatives
- Explain the details of professional association plans
- Help you weigh the pros and cons of COBRA
- Explain the options available to you through private insurers in Arizona
You will never pay for a broker’s expertise and advice (the insurance companies do that). Because they are not tied to one insurer, they have no incentive to recommend one policy over another. Their unbiased advice can ensure you find the most affordable health insurance in Arizona that meets your needs.
Don’t Wait to Get Covered
While missing Arizona’s open enrollment period can be stressful, don’t let it deter you from seeking health coverage. Unexpected medical events can happen at any time, and having insurance can protect both your health and your finances.
Arizona Health Insurance Experts is your go-to directory of local, independent brokers who are ready to provide personalized assistance and help you find the right health insurance solution before, during, and, yes, even after open enrollment.
Don’t leave your health and financial future to chance – find an Arizona broker near you today and get the coverage you need when you need it.
