President Joe Biden’s administration recently extended access to the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to Aug. 15, from the previously announced end date of May 15.
This direction comes after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) opened this SEP for the Health Insurance Marketplace on Feb. 15, resulting in over 200,000 enrollments in the first two weeks.
American Rescue Plan ACA Subsidies
This extension comes shortly after increased ACA subsidies were included as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which temporarily increases the dollar amount and expands eligibility for federal subsidies for health insurance coverage purchased through the Marketplace.
Currently, the ACA’s premium tax credits are not available to individuals with income at or above 400% of the federal poverty level. The ARPA temporarily eliminates this income cap on these subsidies for two years.
What This Means
Paired with the ARPA, the Biden administration’s action to extend the SEP is intended to increase access to health care through the Marketplace.
“With the American Rescue Plan and the Affordable Care Act, millions of families will be able to sleep a little bit more soundly at night because they don’t have to worry about losing everything if they get sick.” – President Joe Biden
While the SEP is currently open, the ARPA subsidies offering some consumers increased savings and lower costs will be available starting April 1. Consumers seeking to take advantage of this special enrollment period can visit www.HealthCare.gov to find out if they are eligible and learn more.
TechServe Alliance will keep you updated on any noteworthy health care and employee benefits changes.
