Health insurance protects you and your family. Through the Affordable Care Act, coverage can be accessible and affordable. It is the mission of Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy to assure everyone has the access they need to quality coverage.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Biden administration has announced a new 3-month Special Open Enrollment Period. First-time consumers or individuals who have lost their health coverage can enroll in a plan during this time, and existing consumers can switch plans if they want to.
Learn more below and reach out to our Health Insurance Navigators today!
Special Open Enrollment Period FAQs
When is the Special Open Enrollment Period available?
The Special Open Enrollment Period goes from February 15 through May 15, 2021.
Is financial assistance still available for the Special Open Enrollment Period?
YES! If your household income is between 100-400% FPL, you may be eligible for financial assistance that will help to lower the cost of your monthly premiums. In addition, if your household income is below 250% FPL, you may be eligible for financial assistance that will help to lower your out-of-pocket costs if you select a Silver plan.
How can I get enroll in a plan during the Special Open Enrollment Period?
You can enroll online through healthcare.gov, call the Marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596 or schedule a free appointment with a Health Insurance Navigator at 855-733-3711.
I lost my job and am currently not working due to the pandemic. Although I currently do not have income, should I still review my healthcare options?
YES! Although you are not currently working, the Marketplace application asks for information about your anticipated income for the coverage year. Therefore, you can estimate your potential income for 2021 even if you are not working right now. You can always update your income on the Marketplace application.
Navigators can be very helpful in walking you through your options –you can schedule a free phone appointment today by calling 1-855-733-3711 or going online to ncnavigator.net. The 2021 COVID SEP is February 15 through May 15, so call today!
Are there still other Special Enrollment Periods available?
Yes, if you experienced any other qualifying event you may be eligible for a traditional Special Enrollment Period. However, the Special Open Enrollment Period will take precedence over all other SEPs, except for SEPs that have retroactive effective dates retroactive effective dates (for birth, adoption, or foster care / court order placement, or for certain casework or appeals purposes).
What is the start date of the plan I select during the Special Open Enrollment Period?
The new plan will start the first day of the month after the enrollment is complete. Example: If you complete your selection on February 20, your plan will start on March 1. But remember, if you qualify for an SEP such as birth, adoption or foster care, your plan will start when that event occurred.
Do I need to submit additional documentation to confirm I am eligible for the Special Open Enrollment Period?
NO! The Special Open Enrollment Period will not involve any new application questions or require consumers to provide any new information.
I have COBRA but it’s too expensive. Can I drop it during the Special Open Enrollment Period and enroll in a Marketplace plan instead?
During the Special Open Enrollment Period, you can sign up for a Marketplace plan even if you already have COBRA. You will have to drop your COBRA coverage effective on the date your new Marketplace plan coverage begins. After the Special Open Enrollment Period ends, however, if you voluntarily drop your COBRA coverage or stop paying premiums, you will not be eligible for a special enrollment opportunity and will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment period. Only exhaustion of your COBRA coverage triggers a special enrollment opportunity.
Which health insurance companies will be offering plans in 2021 in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Union counties?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC and Bright Health.
I already have Marketplace coverage. Can I change my plan during the Special Open Enrollment Period?
Yes, existing consumers can switch plans. They just need to update their 2021 Marketplace application.
If I don’t want to change my plan during the Special Open Enrollment Period, do I need to do anything during the Special Open Enrollment Period?
If you do not want to make changes to your coverage, you do not need to take any action.
What if I need help?
Navigators are still available in your area! As always, appointments are free and available at convenient times. Appointments this will be held only over the phone, so consumers do not need to travel. Call 1-855-733-3711 or go to ncnavigator.net to schedule an appointment today.
Helpful Links
MedLink of Mecklenburg
Free and low-cost clinics for low-income, uninsured individuals
Healthcare.gov Plans & Prices Tool
Preview your estimated plans and prices
Income Estimator
A list of acceptable income sources and how to estimate your expected income
MedAssist
Free prescription medication for low-income, uninsured individuals
Coverage Resources for Immigrants
Healthcare resources are available no matter what your status may be. If you are eligible for financial assistance on the Health Insurance Marketplace, appointments are available in Spanish with CCLA’s Healthcare Navigators. (When you make an appointment, just select “Spanish” as your language of choice.) Free interpretation is available in 150 languages as well.
Below, you’ll see more detailed information based your particular situation:
Undocumented Immigrants or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival)
- You may be eligible for Emergency Medicaid and can utilize low-cost and free clinics at medlinkofmecklenburg.org.
Lawfully Present Immigrant (Permanent resident less than five years, or TPS, VAWA, U Visa, applicants for Asylum, SIJS, F1 visa and many others)
- You may qualify for financial assistance on the Health Insurance Markeplace if your household income is below: $49,960 for a family or one or $103,000 for a family of four.
- Medicaid has not been expanded in North Carolina, so it currently only covers low-income people in the following categories: children under 21, pregnant women, women with breast or cervical cancer, individuals aged 65 or older, blind or disabled individuals, people in need of long-term care or people receiving Medicare.
Refugee, Asylee, Cuban/Haitian Entrant, T visa or Permanent Resident for More Than Five Years
- You may qualify for financial assistance on the Health Insurance Marketplace if your household income is between $12,490 – $49,960 for a family of one or $25,750 – $103,000 for a family of four.
- Medicaid has not been expanded in North Carolina, so it currently only covers low-income people in the following categories: children under 21, pregnant women, women with breast or cervical cancer, individuals aged 65 or older, blind or disabled individuals, people in need of long-term care or people receiving Medicare.