Although Covered California’s third open-enrollment period ended Jan. 31, the door is not closed to uninsured Californians who have experienced life-changing events like having a baby, losing health insurance that had been provided by their job or moving a long distance.
It’s Covered California’s special-enrollment period, a time when eligible consumers can sign up for coverage outside of open enrollment, as long as they do so within 60 days of the qualifying life event. Some of the more common events that can make someone eligible are:
- Losing health coverage provided by an employer.
- Getting married or entering a domestic partnership.
- Having a baby or adopting a child.
- Moving to California.
- Becoming a citizen, national or lawfully present individual.
Access to health care is an equality issue for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. Prior to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, studies show that nearly 27 percent of transgender people and 7.7 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual people said they were refused needed medical care. Many transgender people reported having exclusions for their medical needs in their health plans. In addition, providers often lacked cultural competence to LGBT health concerns.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals face unique health disparities that include experiences of violence, HIV/AIDS and certain chronic conditions.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act and state laws and regulations, this situation is changing: All health plans in California must comply with the state’s Insurance Gender Nondiscrimination Act, which prohibits health plans from denying insurance based on gender identity or expression and requires the removal of benefit and coverage exclusions and limitations regarding gender transition services. Under the Affordable Care Act, plans cannot deny someone coverage due to a pre-existing condition such as HIV/AIDS.
Those who experience any of the qualifying life events listed above can enroll in coverage immediately.
For special enrollment after a qualifying life event, consumers can enroll online at CoveredCA.com or call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 for enrollment help. Covered California’s Certified Enrollment Counselors, Certified Insurance Agents, Certified Plan Based Enrollers or County Eligibility Workers also can help with special enrollment.
