Special Enrollment Period and Immigrants and other last minute instructions

1) From: National Immigration Law Center
  
On March 26, HHS released guidance which clarifies that many consumers who were unable to enroll through the marketplace before the March 31 deadline are eligible for a special enrollment period (SEP). The SEP gives qualifying consumers additional time to get health coverage without being assessed a penalty. To be eligible for the SEP, the consumer must have experienced one of the barriers identified in the guidance. These barriers include experiencing errors related to immigration status and being transferred between the marketplace and state Medicaid/CHIP agency. The additional time available to apply depends on the specific barrier and when it is resolved.

REMINDERS: Enrollment for Medicaid and CHIP is open year round; there is no March 31 deadline for enrollment. In addition, people who have a change in circumstances, such as they’ve just had a baby or adopted a child or their employment status has changed, are eligible for an SEP following such an event.
 

We want to hear from you!

Have barriers related to immigration status caused you or someone you know to have difficulty obtaining health coverage through a state or federal health care marketplace ? Please share your story with NILC by completing and submitting the online form at www.nilc.org/acaproblems.html.

2)  From Maryland Health Connection

The Consumer Support Center (1-855-642-8572) has extended hours during open enrollment as follows.
Friday, March 28 - Sunday, March 30: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Monday, March 31: 8 a.m. to Midnight

The Board of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE) also adopted a plan this month to assist individuals attempting to enroll before March 31. Consumers who call a new hotline at 1-800-396-1961, or are referred from the call center (1-855-642-8572), will be able to let Maryland Health Connection know that they have started an application but have been unable to complete it. All Marylanders who call by March 31 will receive a call and special assistance for enrollment for coverage that begins on May 1, 2014. All four carriers offering medical plans in the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange are participating.