11 States + DC have launched Special Enrollment Periods. It's time for HC.gov to do so as well.

CALIFORNIA: You have until June 30th at CoveredCA.com:

Effective Friday, March 20, Covered California opened the health insurance exchange to any eligible uninsured individuals who need health care coverage amid the COVID-19 national emergency. Anyone who meets Covered California’s eligibility requirements, which are similar to those in place during the annual open-enrollment period, can sign up for coverage through June 30.

...People who sign up through Covered California will have access to private health insurance plans with monthly premiums that may be lowered due to federal and new state financial help that became effective in 2020. After selecting a plan, their coverage would begin on the first of the following month — meaning individuals losing job-based coverage will not face a gap in coverage.

In addition, consumers who sign up through CoveredCA.com may find out that they are eligible for no-cost or low-cost coverage through Medi-Cal, which they can enroll in online. Those eligible for Medi-Cal can have coverage that is immediately effective.

COLORADO: You have until April 3rd at C4HCO.com:

To help as many people as possible protect their health and safety during the COVID-19 outbreak, Connect for Health Colorado® announces a new Special Enrollment period that starts Friday, March 20, 2020 and ends Friday, April 3, 2020. Coloradans who are uninsured qualify to enroll in a health insurance plan for coverage that starts April 1, 2020.

To sign up for coverage through the Marketplace- the only place where residents can qualify for financial help to lower costs- Coloradans can complete an application and select a health insurance plan:

Online at ConnectforHealthCO.com. Over the phone at 855-752-6749, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We’re also extending Customer Service Center hours this weekend and next, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Working with a certified enrollment expert. Many local experts continue to provide virtual and/or phone appointments.

Applicants should select the enrollment reason as, “Will lose or lost health insurance and/or have no other health coverage during the COVID-19 outbreak” and input the application date as the qualifying life change event date. Residents who take these steps will not be asked by health insurance companies to provide documentation to verify their eligibility for the Special Enrollment period.

As always, Coloradans can sign up for a plan if they experience other qualifying life change events, including loss of job-based and Health First Colorado (Medicaid) coverage. Coloradans may be eligible to enroll in a new plan if they experience changes or losses in income, which should be reported to Connect for Health Colorado. Residents who qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or the Child Health Plan Plus program can enroll online through the PEAK application any time during the year.

CONNECTICUT: You have until April 2nd at AccessHealthCT.com:

New Special Enrollment Period

Who’s Eligible? ONLY qualified individuals who are Uninsured, lawfully present and not incarcerated. When can I enroll? From March 19, 2020 through April 2, 2020. When will my coverage start? The effective date of coverage for all enrollments during the NEW Special Enrollment Period will be April 1, 2020. How can I enroll? PHONE ONLY: 1-855-365-2428 (TTY: 1-855-789-2428) • 8AM – 5PM | Monday – Friday

Other information about this New Special Enrollment Period is available at: Learn.AccessHealthCT.com.

MARYLAND: You have until April 15th at MarylandHealthConnection.gov:

Coronavirus emergency launches one-month special enrollment period

As part of the state’s overall response to the coronavirus, and in an effort to prioritize health and safety, Maryland Health Connection opened a new special enrollment period for uninsured Marylanders.

When will the special enrollment period begin?

The coronavirus emergency special enrollment period will begin Monday, March 16, and end Wednesday, April 15. Coverage will begin April 1, 2020, regardless of when a health plan is selected during that time period.

How do I enroll?

To enroll, you can visit Maryland Health Connection or download the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app. When enrolling, you should request or select “Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period.” This enrollment period is for new enrollments of uninsured Marylanders who are eligible, not an opportunity for currently enrolled consumers to change plans.

MASSACHUSETTS: You have  until April 25th at MAHealthConnector.org:

Massachusetts Health Connector offers extended enrollment for uninsured individuals to ease coronavirus fears

BOSTON – March 11, 2020 – To ensure everyone who wants access to covered coronavirus services has it, the Massachusetts Health Connector announced today that uninsured residents can apply and get into coverage through a 45-day window running until April 25.

On March 6, the Division of Insurance announced that Massachusetts health insurers are now required to cover the cost of testing and treatment for members who may be affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), including not charging co-pays or deductibles for those services. The Health Connector’s decision to open enrollment to anyone without coverage ensures Massachusetts residents concerned about contracting coronavirus can access necessary services without cost barriers.

MINNESOTA: You have until April 21st at MNsure.org:

MNsure Announces Special Enrollment Period for Uninsured Minnesotans in Response to Growing COVID-19 Concerns

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Today MNsure announced a 30-day special enrollment period (SEP) for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance, in response to the potential growth of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. This SEP that begins Monday, March 23, and runs through April 21, will allow uninsured individuals 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through MNsure.org.

...Help is available:

MNsure has a statewide network of expert assisters who can help Minnesotans apply and enroll, free of charge. MNsure's online help tools can be used to access frequently requested services. The MNsure Contact Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, at 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873.

NEVADA: You have until April 15th at NVHealthLink.com:

In response to Governor Sisolak’s March 12, 2020 Emergency Declaration, Nevada Health Link announces a limited-time Exceptional Circumstance Special Enrollment Period for qualified Nevadans who missed the Open Enrollment Period. The SEP runs from March 17, 2020 through April 15, 2020, and will allow eligible individuals to enroll in a qualified health plan through the SBE platform, Nevada Health Link.

Individuals seeking a special enrollment should call the Customer Assistance Call Center at: 1-800-547-2927 TTY: 711. The Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Call Center will extend its hours on Saturday’s and Sunday’s (except for Easter Sunday) from March 21 through April 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PST.

Next Steps, What Eligible Nevadans Need to Do to Enroll for this SEP:

Create your account and Log In Complete your application online Complete a self-attestation document and upload to your documents section; OR call the Customer Service Assistance Center to verbally complete a self-attestation at 1-800-547-2927 Call center representatives will verify and validate that there has been no prior enrollment for Plan Year 2020, and review the self-attestation document for approval Select your desired health plan and enroll

NEW YORK: You have until April 15th at NYStateofHealth.NY.gov:

NY State of Health and New York State Department of Financial Services Announce Special Enrollment Period for Uninsured New Yorkers, as Novel Coronavirus Cases Climb

NY State of Health, together with the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), today announced that New York will make a Special Enrollment Period available to New Yorkers during which eligible individuals will be able to enroll in insurance coverage through NY State of Health, New York's official health plan Marketplace, and directly through insurers. This step is being taken in light of the COVID-19 public health emergency to further protect the public health of New Yorkers. NY State of Health, DFS, and New York State health insurers are taking this action due to the exceptional nature of the public health emergency posed by the COVID-19 so that individuals do not avoid seeking testing or medical care for fear of cost. The open enrollment period for coverage in 2020 had previously ended on February 7, 2020.

Individuals who enroll in Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health or directly through insurers between March 16 and April 15, 2020 will have coverage effective starting April 1, 2020. Individuals who are eligible for other NY State of Health programs – Medicaid, Essential Plan and Child Health Plus – can enroll year-round. As always, consumers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health on-line at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 855-355-5777, and working with enrollment assistors.

RHODE ISLAND: You have until April 15th at HealthSourceRI.com:

Special Enrollment Period (SEP) Available to Purchase Coverage through HealthSource RI as a Part of the State’s Response to COVID-19

Special Enrollment Period will be available through April 15, 2020

HealthSource RI has adopted a limited-time Special Enrollment Period (SEP), following Governor Raimondo’s State of Emergency declaration in response to the potential growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19). This SEP will allow uninsured Rhode Islanders to purchase coverage through April 15, 2020. Coverage will begin on the first of the month following the application.

Rhode Islanders who wish to obtain coverage can do so by visiting healthsourceri.com and enrolling online, or by contacting the Healthsource RI call center Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm at 1-855-840-4774. When completing the online enrollment form, Rhode Islanders should select the “other” SEP event and indicate COVID-19 or coronavirus as the explanation. Once approved, customers will need to choose a plan and pay for their first month of coverage to complete the process.

VERMONT: You have until April 20th at VermontHealthConnect.gov:

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, Vermont will be temporarily waiving financial verifications required for those seeking to enroll in health insurance; Extending out coverage periods until after the emergency ends; Suspending certain terminations of health insurance; Offering a Special Enrollment Period (1 month) for those who do not currently have health insurance to enroll in a qualified health plan and receive premium and cost-sharing assistance, if eligible. (Eligible Vermonters can continue to apply for, and enroll in, Medicaid at any time.) (3/20/2020)

WASHINGTON STATE: You have until April 8th at WAHealthPlanFinder.org:

Washington Healthplanfinder Announces Special Enrollment Period in Response to Growing Coronavirus Outbreak

In response to the potential growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) today announced a limited-time special enrollment period for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance. This special enrollment period (SEP), that runs through April 8, 2020, will allow uninsured individuals 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.

As for Idaho (YourHealthIdaho.org), their current stance is NOT to offer a COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period; here’s what they had to say:

Thank you for reaching out. We are continually monitoring the situation daily under the direction of Idaho’s Office of the Governor. While it is our understanding that a diagnosis of a disease is not currently criteria for a Special Enrollment Period, we are aware that there is national discussions about adding one regarding COVID-19. Idaho is in a somewhat unique situation in that two health insurers are offering individuals in Idaho an ongoing enrollment option with the fully-comprehensive Enhanced Short Term Plans, so anyone who wishes to purchase major medical coverage today can obtain it. We will continue to assess, and have not ruled out any future actions.

This is a pretty weak response, to be honest. Idaho’s “enhanced” Short-Term Plans are definitely a lot better than standard #ShortAssPlans, but they’re still not remotely adequate for this particular situation, since they can still medically underwrite you, charge those with pre-existing conditions (including COVID-19) a ton more, and even impose a waiting period of many months, which kind of defeats the purpose.

That leaves The Big One, HealthCare.Gov, which hosts the other 38 states. There’s been growing pressure for them to do so, and I’ve heard from multiple sources that a federal COVID-19 SEP is in the works, but it still hasn’t happened as of this writing, so stay tuned.

HOWEVER, it’s important to remember that even if they don’t do so, there’s a lot of people who (sadly) are about to become eligible for a normal Special Enrollment Period anyway due to losing their employer-sponsored insurance.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

A time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.

Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you may have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. If you miss your Special Enrollment Period window, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to apply.

Also note:

You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time of year, whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or not.

Here's the official list of Qualifying Life Events which make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period regardless of which state you live in:

Changes in household

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you or anyone in your household in the past 60 days:

Got married. Pick a plan by the last day of the month and your coverage can start the first day of the next month. Had a baby, adopted a child, or placed a child for foster care. Your coverage can start the day of the event — even if you enroll in the plan up to 60 days afterward. Got divorced or legally separated and lost health insurance. Note: Divorce or legal separation without losing coverage doesn’t qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. Died. You’ll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if someone on your Marketplace plan dies and as a result you’re no longer eligible for your current health plan.

Changes in residence

Household moves that qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period:

Moving to a new home in a new ZIP code or county Moving to the U.S. from a foreign country or United States territory If you're a student, moving to or from the place you attend school If you're a seasonal worker, moving to or from the place you both live and work Moving to or from a shelter or other transitional housing

Note: Moving only for medical treatment or staying somewhere for vacation doesn’t qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Important: You must confirm you had qualifying health coverage for one or more days during the 60 days before your move. You don't need to provide confirmation if you’re moving from a foreign country or U.S. territory.

Loss of health insurance

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you or anyone in your household lost qualifying health coverage in the past 60 days OR expects to lose coverage in the next 60 days.

Coverage losses that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period:

Losing job-based coverageLosing individual health coverage for a plan or policy you bought yourselfLosing eligibility for Medicaid or CHIPLosing eligibility for MedicareLosing coverage through a family member

NOTE: "Losing coverage through a family member" includes adult children who are dropped from their parents plan when they turn 26.

An employer offer to help with the cost of coverage

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you or anyone in your household newly gained access to an individual coverage HRA or a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) in the past 60 days OR expects to in the next 60 days.

Note: Your employer may refer to an individual coverage HRA by a different name, like the acronym “ICHRA.”

Generally, you’ll need to apply for and enroll in individual health insurance before your individual coverage HRA or QSEHRA starts. However, your employer may offer different options for when your individual coverage HRA or QSEHRA can start so you have more time to enroll. Contact them or check the notice you got from your employer for more information. If you’re currently enrolled in a Marketplace plan with savings, these savings may change because of the help you get through a job. Get more information on how your savings may change if you have an individual coverage HRA or QSEHRA offer.

If you qualify to enroll in Marketplace coverage through this Special Enrollment Period, call the Marketplace Call Center to complete your enrollment. You can’t do this online.

More qualifying changes

Other life circumstances that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period:

Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe or status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder Becoming newly eligible for Marketplace coverage because you became a U.S. citizenLeaving incarcerationStarting or ending service as an AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA, or NCCC member

In addition to the list above, there are additional Qualifying Events which make residents eligible for an SEP in certain states as well. For instance: