N.H. Insurance Department Reminds Consumers That Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Ends August 15, 2021

CONCORD, New Hampshire, Aug. 12 -- The New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) is reminding consumers that the Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period ends this Sunday, August 15, at midnight.

"I encourage individuals who are currently on Medicaid - including the Granite Advantage program - who may no longer be eligible once the federal public health emergency ends, to take advantage of the Special Enrollment Period," said Christopher Nicolopoulos, Commissioner of the NHID. "The Special Enrollment Period also remains a viable option for those who might be seeking coverage as a result of Sharity Ministry's bankruptcy." Once the COVID/American Rescue Plan special enrollment period ends, regular individualmarket enrollment rules will apply. This means that you'll need a qualifying life event in order to enroll in coverage with a 2021 effective date. The next open enrollment opportunity will start nationwide on November 1, but that enrollment period will be for coverage that takes effect on January 1, 2022.

Under the American Rescue Plan, if you were previously eligible for financial assistance to lower the cost of health coverage, you will be eligible for additional financial assistance to further reduce the cost of coverage. If you did not previously qualify for financial assistance because your income was too high, you may now qualify.

"Even if you're already enrolled in a health plan through the marketplace and are happy with your coverage, you should take a few minutes to review your options before the Special Enrollment Period ends," said Deputy Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt.

Consumers can learn more by visiting https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-enrollment-period/