Here’s a question more common right now than most people realize, “Can I buy private health insurance right now… today?” The answer is, “It depends on your circumstances.” The good news is, the odds are well in your favor.
First of all, if you’re looking to buy private health insurance today without any concerns regarding Medicare or utilizing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the short answer is “Yes.” We’ll explore those options and what to look for, as well as what to look out for a bit later.
But, if you’re currently on Medicare or if you are utilizing the ACA, then the first answer to your question regarding buying private insurance right now is “Yes, provided the annual enrollment period doesn’t affect you.” You see, the annual enrollment period, which runs from early November to mid-December each year, is obviously over with right now. However, even outside of the enrollment period, all is not lost. You may still be able to purchase private health insurance under certain provisions – and there are a number of them that may very well fit your situation.
For example, if, in the last 60 days, you got married or got a divorce, had a baby, lost your job and, with it, your health insurance coverage, began or ended your college education as a student and lost access to your student health insurance plan or aged out of the coverage provided by your parent’s health insurance plan, lost your Medicare or Medicaid coverage, moved to a new zip code or to a new county that is out of your carrier’s network, moved from a shelter to an apartment or moved to the United States then you are eligible to buy private health insurance no matter what time of the year we’re in, even if you are using the ACA or you are currently on Medicare.
What’s more, if you recently applied for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, and your income was too high, which made the premium too expensive to afford, but your income has since dropped, conversely making the premium for the coverage more affordable, you can buy the health insurance plan you need today.