Health Partners America Publishes New Whitepaper “Understanding Special Enrollment Periods”
Birmingham, AL (PRWEB) October 24, 2014 -- Health Partners America, a company that provides training, tools, and technology solutions for insurance agents and employers who are navigating the health reform legislation, announces the release of its new white paper – Understanding Special Enrollment Periods. This 14-page document was written to help health insurance agents advise clients who have a qualifying event.
With the upcoming open enrollment period in the individual marketplace, the timing of this paper may seem strange to some because they can purchase individual coverage with or without a life-changing event. However, even though the annual enrollment period starts November 15th, coverage wouldn’t begin until January 1st at the earliest. Those who qualify for a special enrollment period, in contrast, may be able to get coverage right away.
“It’s important for people to know their options,” explains Mel Blackwell, CEO at Health Partners America, “and that’s what this paper’s about – the various choices an individual has if he or she loses coverage or has some other qualifying event. It’s also important that employers are aware of their notification requirements.”
To elaborate on Blackwell’s point, an employee who loses their job may now have four options available to them: 1) they could elect COBRA continuation coverage; 2) they could enroll in his/her spouse’s plan within 30 days because the job loss creates a HIPAA special enrollment period; 3) they could purchase short-term coverage for less money if they are healthy and only expect to be out of work for a short period of time; or 4) they could purchase coverage in the individual market within 60 days because the job loss creates an ACA special enrollment period.
The paper divides those who might qualify for a special enrollment period into two groups: previously uninsured and individuals losing coverage. While there could be some overlap in the qualifying events between the two groups, it is helpful to look at their options separately to help insurance agents and brokers identify families who might be eligible for coverage outside of the open enrollment window.
“There’s a lot to learn,” explains Blackwell, who points out that this is not meant as an exhaustive report but rather a helpful overview for brokers and their clients. “There are so many questions,” he says, “that we just wanted to develop a resource that would help people understand both the options and the opportunities.” Links to additional resources are also provided in the report.
Health Partners America is offering the full report at no cost through the company’s website.
About Health Partners America
Since 2007, Health Partners America has been providing game-changing training and solutions to agents and brokers nationwide. HPA is a technology and consulting company that works with and through brokers in order to engage with the marketplace through healthcare reform. HPA Partners with agents and brokers nationally to bring them technology solutions, private exchange sites, marketing tools, training, and leverage to help them be more successful.
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If you’d like more information about this topic or about HPA, please contact Katie Burns at media(at)healthpartnersamerica(dot)com or visit http://www.healthpartnersamerica.com.
Katie Burns, Health Partners America, http://www.healthpartnersamerica.com, 205-443-2184, [email protected]
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