Tomorrow is the last day to get marketplace coverage for a February 1 start date. Open enrollment, however, runs until the end of January so there’s still time to get coverage for 2016. If you enroll after January 15th, however, coverage doesn’t start until March 1. Check out Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) 1.3.5 in our Navigator Guide that summarizes enrollment and coverage start dates.
If this is your first time enrolling, the Navigator Guide answers questions like the following on marketplace coverage:
- What health plans are offered through the marketplace (FAQ 1.6.1)
- Will covered benefits under all marketplace plans be the same? How can I compare? (1.6.4)
- How can I find out if my doctor’s in a health plan’s network? (FAQ 1.6.6)
Wondering if you’ll owe a penalty for not having insurance beginning January 1, 2016? Check out FAQ 1.1.5 that explains exemptions you can claim for not having insurance. Other exemption related FAQs included in the Navigator Guide:
- How do I apply for an exemption? (FAQ 1.1.6)
- If I change health coverage during the year and end up with a gap when I am not covered, will I owe a payment? (FAQ 1.1.9)
- I lost coverage March 15 and didn’t get new coverage until April 1. Am I considered uninsured for the month of March because I lacked coverage for part of the month? (FAQ 1.1.10)
If you choose not to get coverage at all in 2016, you’ll owe a penalty. The penalty increases year to year for not having health insurance. The Navigator Guide answers the following questions related to the penalty:
- What’s the penalty if I don’t have coverage? (FAQ 1.1.3)
- If I owe a penalty, when and how do I have to pay it? (FAQ 1.1.4)
The clock is ticking on getting coverage through the marketplace. Check out the Navigator Guide if you have questions related to eligibility, enrollment, and your health insurance coverage.
