Timeframe for ObamaCare Application?
I’ve asked my 25 year old son to sign up for health coverage. He’s currently unemployed and does not have health coverage. I’ve asked about the status of his healthcare for over two weeks and he says he’s waiting on the website to make a decision on his application.
How long does it take to get his health coverage approved if he’s unemployed and unable to pay the monthly fee?
Answer
In most cases the application process for ObamaCare's Marketplace is immediate. In some cases the application could take verification, in these cases the applicant will be notified and most likely additional steps to help the verification process will be requested. Waiting for the Marketplace to approve an application without taking any action is highly advised against. This is especially true outside of open enrollment where one could be missing their only opportunity to enroll for the year by not taking action.
Waiting for two weeks for the Marketplace without taking action isn't a good move (an application can sit indefinitely if action is required). He should call HealthCare.Gov immediately and follow up. He most likely needs to provide additional documentation.
Keep in mind if you are filing for a dependent then you are responsible for them having coverage, getting exemptions, and paying the fee. Also their cost assistance is based off of household income and if you have a family plan they must join that plan. All things to keep in mind.
Also if he is going to claim no income, and you aren't filing for him, then he may qualify for Medicaid under Medicaid expansion. That will be worth looking into too.
You can learn more about special enrollment here. (Could be useful for having website issues or for adding someone to a family plan)
Call to start or finish an application, compare plans, enroll or ask a question.
1-800-318-2596 / TTY: 1-855-889-4325
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Closed Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Find Local Help through people and organizations in your community who can help you apply, enroll, and answer your questions.
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i was out of country can i apply for obamacare 2018 now
If you were living out of the states and have moved back, moving back will trigger special enrollment. Contact healthcare.gov to coordinate. There is a limited window of time in which you can qualify for special enrollment upon having “a qualifying life event.”