FEMA Special Enrollment Period gives extra time for Marketplace Health Insurance

If you are a South Carolinian who did not enroll this year for Marketplace Health Insurance, you may still qualify for coverage.

The FEMA Special Enrollment Period gives consumers extra time to enroll as all states are covered under the COVID-19 pandemic national emergency declaration, according to a news release from Palmetto Project, a nonprofit entity committed to helping South Carolinians access affordable and quality preventative and specialty care.

South Carolinians who did not enroll this year due to a qualifying event such as loss of coverage, birth of a child or a change of permanent residence may enroll for coverage, often with financial assistance that reduces monthly costs. "We can help people look at their life events to see if they are eligible. Some of the SEPs must be granted through the Marketplace call center. We can help with that process," said Shelli Quenga, Palmetto Project's Director of Programs, in the release.

The Marketplace usually has a 60-day SEP window following the loss of coverage; however, the application now asks whether the applicant has lost coverage since Jan. 1. "The Marketplace often requires that applicants submit proof of the loss of coverage. We can help people upload such documents directly into their online account," said Quenga. "We are here year-round to help people with any health insurance questions and concerns, from getting their member ID cards to understanding medical bills and provider networks."

Following plan selection, coverage begins the first day of the month, but a consumer can contact the Marketplace call center to request a retroactive effective date.

"This could be especially helpful for consumers who have sought costly medical treatment but had lost job-based coverage," added Quenga.

Marketplace plans are required to cover essential health benefits such as prescription drugs, lab services and hospitalization. Coverage is guaranteed with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are covered by all ACA plans, and testing is covered with no cost sharing.

Palmetto Project experts are available to help navigate the insurance enrollment process. Visit www.Insure-SC.org or call 1-888-998-4646 or 843-577-4122. Insure SC, an initiative of Palmetto Project, works collaboratively with other agencies and organizations to share unbiased, accurate and culturally competent health insurance information with people in S.C. It is a one-stop shop for health coverage options including Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace and private insurance. All services are free.