In most states if you enroll in a private health insurance plan any time between November 1st and December 15th and make your first premium payment by the due date specified by your plan, your new health coverage starts January 1st.
After that, if you have a Qualifying Life Event and enroll between the 1st and 15th day of the month and pay your premium by the due date, your coverage begins the first day of the next month. So if you enroll on January 10, 2021, your coverage begins February 1, 2021.
If you enroll between the 16th and the last day of the month and pay your premium by the due date, your effective date of coverage will be the first day of the second following month. So if you enroll on January 16, 2021, your coverage starts on March 1, 2021.
Comments
4 comments
Hi Ryan,
I have a new insurance policy which effective date started from today and unfortunately, I was affected by the seasonal flu from today morning. Can I visit a doctor/urgent care on my very first day of insurance?
Any information will be highly appreciated.
Thank you,
Srini
The delay of several weeks between enrollment and the start of medical coverage is very frustrating if you have emergency medical costs. I don't understand why the coverage doesn't take effect within a few days of enrolling.
Thank you for this information, I am looking for taking health insurance for my family however, I was not sure when the best time to take is and how it works as well when I am able to claim the insurance once I enroll for it. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jason,
What effective date are you looking for your coverage to start? If you can share that date as well as the reason for your application (ie moving, loss of other coverage), we can tell you the date you should apply by.
If it's easier, you can schedule a time with one our licensed agents to discuss.
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