OKLAHOMA CITY – A special enrollment period for individual health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act began Monday. Oklahomans who do not have health insurance may be eligible to purchase coverage through the health insurance marketplace.
The special enrollment period was created after the executive order that President Joe Biden issued January 28. Continuing through May 15, this special enrollment period will be open to all eligible consumers who are submitting a new application or updating an existing application.
“We all understand how important it is to have health insurance and access to affordable health care during this unprecedented time,” state Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “In light of the pandemic, Oklahomans have become very aware of the value of health insurance. This is an opportunity to assess your family’s needs during this special enrollment period.”
Six insurers offer individual health plans on the 2021 health insurance Marketplace in Oklahoma: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Bright Health, Medica Insurance Co., Oscar Health, United Health Care and Community Care Oklahoma. BCBSOK and Medica offer statewide plans, while Bright Health, CCOK, Oscar and UHC serve limited areas of the state.
The special enrollment period will allow individuals and families to enroll in health insurance coverage for 2021 through HealthCare.gov or by contacting the HealthCare.gov Marketplace call center. Visit HealthCare.gov to verify eligibility, view plan options and estimate monthly premiums.
Coverage will begin on the first day of the month following the application date. No health questions will be asked and no pre-existing condition waiting periods apply. You also can determine whether you qualify for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program at https://www. healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/.
For information about insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit www.oid.ok.gov.