WYOMING — The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced a special enrollment period from February 15 through May 15, 2021, for individuals and families who are uninsured or underinsured.
Because Wyoming uses the healthcare.gov platform, individuals and families in Wyoming can enroll in Marketplace health coverage until May 15. The special enrollment period is available to all Marketplace-eligible consumers who are submitting a new application or updating an existing application. Access is available through a variety of channels: through HealthCare.gov directly, the Marketplace call center, or direct enrollment channels.
President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order on Jan. 28, 2021, asking the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider establishing a special enrollment period due to the circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the “policy” of the Biden administration to “protect and strengthen Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and to make high-quality healthcare accessible and affordable for every American.”
The Department of Health and Human Services committed to spending $50 million on outreach and education, to enable millions of Americans to enroll in comprehensive coverage.
The special enrollment period allows for individuals and families to enroll in health insurance if they missed the deadline due to the COVID-19 emergency, lost health coverage in the past 60 days, or expect to lose coverage in the next 60 days. Changes in the household in the last 60-days may also qualify for special enrollment. these changes include marriage, birth or adoption of a child, divorce, and death.
Other qualifying changes include gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe or status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder, Becoming newly eligible for Marketplace coverage because you became a U.S. citizen, Leaving incarceration, or Starting or ending service as an AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA, or NCCC member.
Consumers can find local help at Localhelp.healthcare.gov or by calling the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325. Assistance is available in 150 languages. The call is free.
