The March 31 deadline open enrollment period has passed for insurance coverage from the Affordable Care Act, but there are still some situations where you can get coverage before the fall, when enrollment opens again.
For instance, if you tried to create an online account, but were unable to finish, Covered California reports you have until April 15 to contact a Covered California service center representative, enrollment counselors, insurance agents, plan-based enrollers or county eligibility worker to get help completing it.
Just tell the representative you had trouble at the deadline and need assistance.
According to Covered California, there also are reasons you could apply and receive coverage after Tuesday:
- Loss of minimum essential coverage through your existing health plan.
- Change in your family due to marriage, birth, adoption or placement for adoption.
- Change of U.S. residency or immigration status.
- Loss of coverage as a result of change or loss of employment.
- Change in the cost of existing coverage through an employer-sponsored plan so that the your premium is no longer affordable which means your premium exceeds 9.5 percent of your salary.
The federal site, HealthCare.gov, also explains situations that would allow for coverage before the next open enrollment begins Nov. 15.