Officials with the N.C. Department of Insurance remind residents that Open Enrollment for the 2021 Federal Health Insurance Exchange ends Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, for coverage to start Jan. 1, 2021.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said, “Open enrollment is an opportunity for people to make sure they choose the best insurance plan that meets their needs, if they do not have health insurance elsewhere and can qualify for tax subsidies that offset their premiums.”
Eligibility for Advanced Premium Tax Credit Subsidies or APTCS is determined through the enrollment process at www.healthcare.gov.
Residents are guaranteed to be insurable and are encouraged to sign up for health insurance if they meet one of the following conditions:
- They have current qualifying ACA coverage but may want to change their plan for 2021.
- They don't have health insurance through their employer or their spouse's employer.
- They don't have government coverage (such as veterans, Medicare and Medicaid).
- They are older than age 26 and can no longer be on a parent's health insurance.
Outside the Open Enrollment period, North Carolinians who buy health insurance from the ACA may enroll in an insurance plan only if they qualify for a special enrollment period because of life events, such as having or adopting a child, losing health coverage or moving to a different service area.
To enroll in or change ACA health insurance policies for 2021, consumers may visit www.healthcare.gov.
Also, consumer specialists within the N.C. Department of Insurance are available to answer any questions about health insurance by calling 1-855-408-1212.
ACA Open Enrollment for 2021 runs Nov.1 through Dec. 15, 2020.