New special enrollment period for marketplace health insurance

A new Special Enrollment Period (SEP) on the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace has opened for consumers who have projected income of at least 100% of the federal poverty level but are at or below the 150% of the federal poverty level.

This SEP allows qualifying people to enroll in plans in any month during the year without having to experience a “qualifying life event” like other SEPs. Enroll now and coverage should start April 1.

One-hundred percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is $12,880 for a household of one and $26,500 for a household of four. The 150% Poverty Level is $19,320 for a household of one and $39,750 for a household of four. Because this is North Carolina, which has not expanded Medicaid, people who are in the “Medicaid Gap” cannot qualify for this new SEP because their income is below 100% of FPL.

This SEP is available right now through the marketplace call center. By the end of March this SEP should be available automatically when you do your application on line through the Healthcare.gov website.

If you have questions, need more information or want help with enrollment, GetCovered-WNC, a service of Mountain Projects, offers local, free unbiased help. We can also help if you need a 1095-A form for your taxes. Call 828-452-1447 and ask to speak to a Certified Application Counselor.