Important Information about Enrollment and Re-Enrollment in #ACA Plans and #Medicaid

From Family Voices:

Dates. The administration is gearing up for the next open enrollment period under the ACA, Affordable Care Act, which begins on November 15 and ends on February 15. Here are the important dates to keep in mind:
  • November 15, 2014. Open Enrollment begins to apply for, keep, or change coverage.
  • December 15, 2014. Enroll by the 15th for new coverage that begins on January 1, 2015. To change plans, enroll by the 15th to avoid a lapse in coverage.
  • December 31, 2014. Coverage ends for 2014 plans. Coverage for 2015 plans can start as soon as January 1st.
  • February 15, 2015. This is the last day to apply for 2015 coverage before the end of Open Enrollment.
For more information about enrollment dates, effective dates and special enrollment periods, click here.

Renewals. This post from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families (CCF) "Say Ahhh!" blog provides a detailed discussion about a recently finalized rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) regarding renewals of health plans purchased through ACA Exchanges and redetermination of premium tax credits. As Tricia Brooks writes, "the good news is that the final rules provide an opportunity for consumers to be automatically re-enrolled in the same or a similar plan without taking action. The downside is that the renewal is based on the consumer's 2014 premium tax credit using the 2013 federal poverty thresholds."  Ms. Brooks goes on to note that advocates have concerns about the way that issuers can substitute one plan for another they are discontinuing. In addition, she explains why individuals who are receiving tax credits to purchase insurance should not just let their policies renew without taking any action.

Medicaid. While individuals with ACA insurance plans may see automatic renewal of their coverage, that is not the case for Medicaid beneficiaries. As explained in this article from the Commonwealth Fund, many individuals are not aware of the ACA's requirement that they re-apply for Medicaid annually even if their circumstances have not changed. 

If you have questions, feel free to contact us: 317 944 8982 info@fvindiana.org


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