If you need health insurance right now, you may be in luck if it's during open enrollment. The Affordable Care Act sets up a four-month period when everyone may either re-enroll in their insurance, change insurance or buy insurance. The only way you may purchase health insurance outside of this period is if you have a “qualifying event” such as getting married or having a baby.
You need to have a qualifying event. A qualifying event is a change in your life that makes you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period in Wisconsin. Examples of qualifying life events include moving to or from Wisconsin, certain changes in your income, and changes in your family size (for example, if you marry, divorce, or have a baby). All these events may put you in need of a new health insurance plan right now. (Dropping your insurance coverage or losing it because you don’t pay your premiums are not qualifying events).
Even with a qualifying event, there is a specific time frame when you must buy health insurance in Wisconsin. You usually have about 60 days after a qualifying event to buy health insurance. If you’re buying insurance for you or your family through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly from a local health insurance company, this rule applies.
If you’re wondering if your life change qualifies, Quartz Benefits can help! See if you’re eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan now. For questions and additional help, contact Quartz for more information.
