Subject: Missed Enrollment for Medical Insurance – Seeking Advice
Hello everyone,
I’m a 33-year-old woman living in NYC, and I just discovered that my enrollment in my employer’s medical insurance did not go through. I’ve been without coverage for the past three months, and I’m concerned about what might happen in case of a medical emergency.
I just explored individual coverage options, but with my income of $140k, the cheapest plan I found is $700 a month. I’m getting married in August, and I know that’s a qualifying life event that could help me enroll. However, I’m hesitant to rush into a legal marriage just to secure insurance, and I’d like to explore any alternatives before resorting to that.
I’ve reached out to HR in the past with other enrollment questions, but they were inflexible, so I’m not expecting much assistance with Anthem’s insurance options.
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that can be really stressful. Since you missed open enrollment, your options may be limited, but there are still a few potential paths you might consider:
Qualifying Life Event: As you noted, getting married is a qualifying life event that allows you to enroll in your employer’s health insurance plan outside the typical open enrollment period. If you can hold off on the actual wedding and could legally marry earlier (like at a courthouse), you could use that as a reason to enroll. Just make sure to check with your HR about the exact timeline they require for such a change.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP): In addition to marriage, there may be other situations that qualify for a SEP. If you experience any changes in your life circumstance, such as moving or losing other coverage, that could potentially open up options for you as well.
Marketplace Insurance: Although the quotes you mentioned for individual coverage are expensive, it might be worth exploring the health insurance marketplace. Depending on your income and circumstances, you could qualify for subsidies that could make a plan more affordable. It’s worth taking a closer look, especially since enrollment periods may be longer and might allow for more flexibility compared to employer-sponsored plans.
Short-Term Health Insurance: While this isn’t a long-term solution, some short-term health insurance plans may be more affordable for temporary coverage. Just be mindful that these plans can come with significant limitations and might not cover pre-existing conditions.
Negotiate with HR: Even if you’ve had difficulty in the past, it might be worth reaching out to HR one more time to explain your situation. Sometimes, they may be willing to make exceptions or provide advice on what other options you might have.
Take a deep breath and evaluate your options carefully. It’s essential to have coverage, especially with a wedding and potential new family on the horizon! Good luck!