Announcement from HHS will allow any Texan who has started their coverage application but were delayed due to issues on the HealthCare.gov site, to finish the process
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that any uninsured Texan who started the enrollment process through the Health Insurance Marketplace but were unable to finish due to an issue withHealthCare.gov or the enrollment hotline will have until February 22 to complete their application. This special enrollment period means Texans who are currently uninsured may still be able to select a plan that will begin March 1, and give them the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are protected.
“This special enrollment period represents a major opportunity for uninsured Texans,” said Mimi Garcia, Get Covered America Texas State Director. “It is critical that everyone who started the enrollment process but was unable to finish it, act immediately to complete their enrollment by February 22. Get Covered America will continue reaching out to uninsured Texans who may qualify for this opportunity to answer their questions and encourage them to enroll if they are eligible. ”
In the coming week, the Get Covered America campaign will make 25,000 calls to consumers across the country who may be eligible to enroll during this special enrollment period offered by HHS. Those consumers will be offered appointments with in-person assisters who can help them complete the enrollment process. Consumers can also schedule appointments to get free expert assistance directly through the Get Covered Connector, which has more than 13,000 appointments available over the next week before February 22.
Anyone who believes they may qualify to enroll during this special enrollment period can access the Health Insurance Marketplace online, over the phone, or through a free, in-person enrollment assister. Consumers qualify for this special enrollment period if they:
- tried to enroll in a health coverage plan by February 15 but didn’t complete the application because of an issue with healthcare.gov or the Marketplace Call Center;
- or mailed a paper application for Marketplace coverage by February 15 and received a notice telling them they’re still able to complete their enrollment.
Anyone who meets those criteria should act immediately to ensure they can complete the process. Consumers who fail to get insured run the risk of paying a fine and spending 2015 without the security of health coverage.
Anyone who started the process but was unable to finish can still meet with a free, in-person enrollment expert in their community. To find someone near you and schedule an appointment, visit the Get Covered Connector at www.getcoveredamerica.org/connector.
