Losing Coverage and Terminally Ill
I just moved to CA about 6 months ago–and this question is for my brother–who has been in CA for a couple of years. He currently has his insurance through a domestic partner–and that relationship is ending and he will lose insurance. What makes matters WORSE–is that he was just diagnosed with 6mo-1 year to live. He MIGHT qualify for Medi-Cal..but, that application takes 2-3 month to process.
In the meantime–would he qualify for insurance under ACA? He cannot be left with any gap in his insurance…or we’ll be broke. He wants to sign up for Anthem Blue Cross. Is there ANY way that he can have coverage by the FIRST of April? How does he get approved to sign up late?? This is all very confusing for me and I am trying to help him.
Answer
If someone is in the middle of treatment they can avoid a gap in coverage by enrolling special enrollment at HealthCare.Gov. This should be done as early as possible to avoid a gap in coverage (typically one can enroll in a plan 30 days before a qualifying event, although the coverage won't start until the event takes place). That being said, it is normal for a short gap of a few days in between coverage. So keep this in mind.
Marketplace cost assistance is based on household income, but anyone can enroll in a plan regardless of cost. Make sure to consider factors like cost sharing amounts. A marketplace Silver plan is usually a safe bet, but so much is going to depend upon specific medical needs for someone with a chronic disease.
With these things the first step needs to be calling HealthCare.Gov and sticking with it until you get the right answer.
Call to start or finish an application, compare plans, enroll or ask a question.
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