What is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. In response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced an SEP for the Health Insurance Marketplace starting 2/15/21 through 8/15/21.

Do I qualify for the SEP? I thought I had to wait until November unless I moved or lost my job.

This SEP is open to all Marketplace-eligible individuals and families who are submitting new applications or updating existing applications. No qualifying life event is necessary.

I keep hearing about Premium Tax Credits. What are they, and am I eligible to receive them?

This is a tax credit you can use to lower your monthly insurance payment (called your “premium”) when you enroll in a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Your tax credit is based on the income estimate and household information you put on your Marketplace application.

How do I estimate my income?

This page will help you estimate your expected income.

What information do I need to apply for coverage?

Use this checklist to gather documents you’ll need to apply for coverage.

I have a Marketplace plan through a different carrier, but I don’t like it very much. Can I use the SEP to switch to a plan with Community?

Absolutely! At Community, we offer a variety of health plans to fit your budget and meet your needs. Click here to learn more about our plans.

Great, how do I apply?

You have three ways to buy your plan:

• Online – You can buy your health plan on our website. Note: You must be on a Google Chrome browser. You can download it here.
• Phone – Call 1.855.315.5386 to speak with a Community Health Choice licensed Health Plan Specialist.
• Agent – Work with an independent, authorized insurance agent to sign you up.