I *forgot* to sign up for Health Insurance, now what?

April 3, 2014

Image You’d be amazed at how many phone calls and emails we have been getting about signing up for the exchange after the deadline. Unfortunately….people that have waited are not special. Everyone had an Open Enrollment Period began October 1 st and officially ended in the state of NY as of March 31 st , that was 6 months….no one can say they didn’t have enough time but still so many people chose to bury their head in the sand. So if you are one of these people that didn’t sign up what does this actually mean to you:

  1. If you had started an enrollment on the New York State of Health Exchange Marketplace ( https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ ) you have until April 15 th to get your act together and get your application completed.
  2. If you haven’t started an application yet and you are CURRENTLY UNINSURED, then you are out of luck with Exchange and other Private options until the next Open Enrollment which is set to begin on 11/15/14 for an enrollment of January 1 st , 2015.  Sorry, no one’s special here.
  3. If you are CURRENTLY INSURED you will be able to take coverage with the Exchange or other private insurance for effective dates after 4/1 as long as you can prove that you have had a Qualifying Life Event.  These are listed below:
    1.  Individual or dependent loses minimum essential coverage due to:
      1. job loss
      2. divorce
      3. death of a spouse
      4. becoming ineligible for Medicaid or Child Health Plus
      5. expiration of COBRA
      6. health plan is decertified
    2. Marriage, birth, adoption, or placement for adoption
    3. Gaining status as a citizen, national, or lawfully present individual
    4. Consumer is newly eligible or ineligible for tax credits and/or cost sharing reductions
    5. Permanent move to an area that has different health plan options
    6. Marketplace staff or contractor enrollment error
    7. Qualified Health Plan violated a provision of its contract
    8. American Indians can enroll or change plans one time per month throughout the year

 

Not considered a Qualifying Life Event:

    1. Voluntarily dropping other health coverage
    2. Being terminated for not paying your premiums
    3. Losing coverage that is not minimum essential coverage, in accordance with HHS guidelines

 

Moral of the story:  Be more proactive next year!!!

 

CEO & FOUNDER

Susan L. Combs

Susan L. Combs, founder and CEO of Combs & Company, is a visionary leader transforming the insurance industry with innovation, integrity, and a commitment to educating and empowering every client.

Let's Connect

We’re Ready to Assist!

Please provide your details, and we'll reach out to you as soon as possible.

Blog - Website Form

Search an article

Take the First Step

Confidence Starts with the Right Coverage

Every great plan begins with understanding your needs. Our experts will guide you through the process, ensuring your coverage provides protection, clarity, and peace of mind.

CONTACT US NOW!

Call us now:

SHARE THIS POST:

Recent Post

The Syrup – Small Moments That Make Life Meaningful

By combsandco • March 24, 2025
The Pancakes for Roger campaign honors Major General Roger E. Combs through shared stories and memories rather than monetary success. In 2025, it raised over $13,000 for veterans' legal support and collected over 1,100 photos from participants globally, reinforcing community connection and gratitude. The campaign continues as a non-profit, expanding its impact on veterans' lives.

The Syrup –  The power of being teachable

By combsandco • June 14, 2024
The Syrup – The power of being teachable. "Be teachable. You're not always right." – Anonymous This quote got me thinking about all the people I look up to, both inside and outside of our industry.

The Syrup – Permission to Soar

By combsandco • May 30, 2024
Harrison Butker's recent controversial commencement speech got me thinking about what I would say to graduates who are embarking on their next journey and reminiscing about some things that were said to me along the way.

The Syrup – Setting Boundaries

By combsandco • February 1, 2024
In a recent reflection on the challenging 4th Quarter, professionals nationwide are grappling with abusive clients, overworked staff, and the pressure for instant response. The importance of setting boundaries, such as scheduling phone calls and limiting email checks, is emphasized as a means of improving efficiency and reducing stress. Plans for 2024 involve enforcing stricter deadlines and managing client expectations.

The Syrup – Cringeworthy Sales Tactics

By combsandco • December 7, 2023
During the 4th quarter or open enrollment period, professional women shared stories of negative sales approaches from vendors. The common experiences include unwanted gift giving, decoy techniques, unsolicited an non-targeted spam, badmouthing of competitors, dishonesty, nagging follow-ups, unapproved meeting requests, and not knowing the audience. These behaviors have led these women to blacklist certain vendors, emphasizing the need for respect and understanding in sales approaches.

The Syrup – the loneliness epidemic and coping during the holidays

By combsandco • November 21, 2023
The 2023 BenefitsPRO Broker of the Year, Nancy Giacolone, discusses the phenomenon of loneliness during the holiday season. While festive celebrations heighten cheer, they also emphasize isolation for some. This "loneliness epidemic" affects particularly those aged 19-20 and is linked with various health issues. Steps to combat loneliness include frequenting social gathering spots, volunteering, attending community events, visiting fellow lonely individuals, and utilizing technology for connectivity. The holiday season should extend compassionate inclusivity with the gift of connection.

Let’s Talk About Your Goals

Our team listens, understands your priorities, and creates insurance strategies for your growth and peace of mind.

GET STARTED