People who have lost a job have a 60-day deadline to get health insurance through COBRA, a period that is soon coming to an end for many of the laid-off, says Access Health CT, the state’s agency set up to help residents get health insurance.
Losing health insurance coverage either from a furlough or a layoff is considered a ‘Qualifying Life Event,’ triggering a Special Enrollment Period through the federal COBRA benefits law.
Access Health CT recommends comparing options with COBRA coverage. Workers who lose health insurance as a result of job loss may not know they have options, but Access Health CT says it may offer a better, less expensive choice, and is the only place where people can qualify for financial help to lower their costs.
Here’s an announcement from the state agency:
Losing insurance either from a furlough or a layoff is considered a ‘Qualifying Life Event,’ triggering a Special Enrollment Period for that individual and possibly their household. However, those who lost their insurance over the last two months may need to act quickly.
“We have increased our efforts in the community to help residents know they may qualify for a Special Enrollment if they lose their coverage because of job loss,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer, James Michel.
“People can enroll any time within 60 days of losing their job. But for those who lost their health insurance in early April, the deadline to enroll is approaching fast.”
To help residents maintain quality and affordable healthcare coverage, Access Health CT recommends comparing options on AccessHealthCT.com to COBRA coverage, as the marketplace may offer a better, less expensive choice, and is the only place where people can qualify for financial help to lower their costs.
What COBRA Is
COBRA health insurance allows people to get partly subsidized health insurance after they lose a job or have some other qualifying event.
The acronym stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.
Access Health CT is working closely with the Department of Labor and other entities to reach out to businesses that are in the process of reducing their work force. Access Health CT has an educational website that offers information and videos that describe in detail how to shop and enroll.
Michel continues, “Access Health CT is helping people find the right health insurance coverage at a stressful time when they lose their jobs. Many people have never shopped for health insurance before and we don’t want them to miss out on the opportunity to select a better plan because they didn’t know about these options.”
In addition, Access Health CT has been offering educational webinars with important information about the marketplace, its health insurance plans and financial help. Please contact us at outreach@accesshealthct.com if you are interested in setting up a webinar.
About Access Health CT
Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace established in 2011, supports health reform efforts at the state and national level. AHCT provides Connecticut residents with resources for better health, and an enhanced and more coordinated healthcare experience, which results in healthier people, healthier communities and a healthier Connecticut.
AHCT’s mission is to increase the number of insured residents in Connecticut, promote health, lower costs, and eliminate health disparities. Connecticut residents and small business owners can compare and enroll in healthcare coverage and apply for tax credits for individuals through AHCT.
AHCT (or the Marketplace) also partners with the state Department of Social Services for eligibility and enrollment with state Medicaid Insurance and Children’s Health Insurance Programs.
For more information, please visit www.AccessHealthCT.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AccessHealthCT.