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Eligibility and enrollment in BCBS can be a complex process, but understanding the qualifying life events can make it much easier.
To be eligible for a special enrollment period, you must experience one of the qualifying life events listed by BCBS, such as getting married, having a child, or losing other health coverage.
BCBS requires that you enroll within 30 days of the qualifying life event, so it's essential to act quickly to avoid delays in coverage.
Enrolling in BCBS during a special enrollment period can provide you with essential health coverage and peace of mind.
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Eligible Events
You can experience a qualifying life event due to a change in your employment status, such as quitting, being fired, or laid off from your job.
If your employer stops offering benefits, you may also be eligible for a special enrollment period.
A reduction in work hours can cause you to lose coverage, making you eligible for a qualifying life event.
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COBRA benefits expiring is another eligible event that allows you to change your elections.
You're also eligible if you're eligible for early retirement.
Here are some eligible events in a concise list:
- Quit, were fired or laid off from your job
- Employer stopped offering benefits
- Hours were reduced, causing loss of coverage
- COBRA benefits expired
- Eligible for early retirement
Special Enrollment Periods
You can apply for a special enrollment period (SEP) through Healthcare.gov by creating a Marketplace account or contacting the Marketplace Call Center. You must confirm that the information you provide is true, and you may be required to submit documentation that proves your eligibility.
If the Health Insurance Marketplace says you're not eligible for an SEP, you can appeal the decision within 90 days of the eligibility notice. You can learn how to appeal and which form to submit on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
You have three ways to buy your plan during an SEP: online, by phone (1-888-731-0406), or through an independent, authorized agent. If more documentation is needed, you'll receive a letter within 30 days, and you'll have 30 days from the letter's date to reply.
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Capital Blue Cross Service Area Move
If you're planning to move to the Capital Blue Cross service area, you'll need to meet certain requirements to qualify for a special enrollment period.
You must have minimum essential coverage for one or more days in the 60 days preceding your permanent move to the Capital Blue Cross service area. This can be tricky, but it's essential to have proof of prior coverage.
You'll need to provide proof of residence in the 21-county service area, as well as proof of previous minimum essential coverage. This can be done by providing a variety of documents, such as a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage deed, or a letter from another resident of the same state.
To prove your move, you can use a range of documents, including a U.S. Postal Service change of address form, a voter registration card, or a pay stub with a residential address. These documents can help demonstrate that you've made a permanent move to the Capital Blue Cross service area.
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Here are some examples of documents you can use to prove your move:
- A lease or rental agreement
- A mortgage deed
- A moving company contract or receipt
- A letter from another resident of the same state
- A U.S. Postal Service change of address form
- A voter registration card
- A pay stub with a residential address
Remember, moving only for medical treatment or residence for vacation are not qualifications for a special enrollment period.
Special Enrollment Period Application
You can apply for a special enrollment period through Healthcare.gov by creating a Marketplace account or contacting the Marketplace Call Center. To confirm your eligibility, you'll need to provide true information and may be required to submit documentation.
If you're applying during a special enrollment period, you have three options to buy your health plan: online, phone, or working with an independent, authorized agent. You can buy your health plan on the website, call 1-888-731-0406 to speak with a licensed sales representative, or work with an agent to sign you up.
If you're buying a BCBSTX health plan during a special enrollment period, you won't need to provide proof of a qualifying event. Your health care coverage will begin on the first of the month after you apply.
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If the Health Insurance Marketplace says you're not eligible for an SEP, you can appeal the decision within 90 days of the eligibility notice. You can learn how to appeal and which form to submit on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Here are the three ways to buy your health plan during a special enrollment period:
- Online - You can buy your health plan on our website
- Phone - Call 1-888-731-0406 to speak with a BCBSTX licensed sales representative
- Agent – Work with an independent, authorized agent to sign you up
You'll receive a letter if more documentation is needed while your application is being reviewed. You'll have 30 days from the letter's date to reply.
Choosing a New Health Insurance Plan
Choosing a new health insurance plan can be a daunting task, especially if you're experiencing a qualifying life event. If you've lost health coverage from an employer, individual plan, Medicaid, or Medicare, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
You can find details about eligibility for health insurance plans purchased on the federally facilitated Marketplace at healthcare.gov. This is a great resource to explore your options and determine the best plan for your needs.
If you're choosing a new plan, consider the benefits of having insurance, such as access to preventive care, hospital stays, and prescription medication. You can also consider the costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copays. Remember to carefully review the plan's details before making a decision.
Here are some common situations that may trigger a Special Enrollment Period:
- Losing health coverage from an employer
- Losing health coverage from an individual plan
- Losing health coverage from Medicaid or CHIP
- Losing health coverage from Medicare
- Dependents turning 26 years old
Choosing a New Health Insurance Plan
If you or someone in your household loses health coverage, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to purchase a new health insurance plan outside of the regular enrollment period.
You can find details about eligibility and enrollment at healthcare.gov. This resource is provided by the federal government and is a great place to start your search for a new health insurance plan.
If you're choosing a new health insurance plan, consider the benefits of having insurance, such as access to medical care and financial protection in case of unexpected expenses.
Here are some common situations that may trigger a loss of health coverage, which can lead to a Special Enrollment Period:
- Loss of employer-sponsored health insurance
- Loss of individual health insurance plan
- Loss of Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage
- Loss of Medicare coverage
- Dependents turning 26 years old and losing coverage under their family member's plan
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of certain characteristics when providing health programs and activities, and they offer no-cost services to eligible individuals.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
If you've already started paying out-of-pocket costs on your current BCBSTX health plan, you might be happy to know that this amount can count toward your new plan's deductible. This can be a big help in reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
To qualify, your new plan must start within 30 days of when your current coverage ends. This means you'll need to act quickly to take advantage of this benefit.
A qualifying life event, like the birth of a child, can also allow you to make changes to your current plan. You'll need to apply and provide proof of the event's date, such as a birth certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turning 26 a qualifying life event in Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Turning 26 is a qualifying life event for Blue Cross Blue Shield, allowing you to buy health insurance during a special enrollment period. This milestone birthday triggers a special enrollment opportunity, enabling you to secure coverage outside of open enrollment.
How long does special enrollment take?
Special enrollment periods last 60 days from the qualifying life event date. Coverage typically starts on the first day of the month after the enrollment is completed.
What is the special enrollment period in Illinois?
In Illinois, a Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in a health plan within 60 days of a qualifying life event, such as marriage or job loss. You'll need to prove your eligibility when applying.
Sources
- https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits/qualifying-life-events
- https://www.bluecrossnc.com/members/knowledge-center/special-enrollment-period
- https://www.capbluecross.com/wps/portal/cap/home/shop/individual/qualifying-events
- https://publicsitestx.hcsc.net/shop-plans-and-products/special-enrollment
- https://www.bcbsm.com/individuals/plans/qualifying-life-events/
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