Washington DC Residents: COVID-19 and Your Health Insurance Options
Due to concerns caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), DCHealthLink has just announced that there will be a Special Enrollment Period for uninsured residents to sign up for health insurance through their site here. There is no confirmed deadline at this time, but you’ll want to be sure to take advantage and enroll today.
How Do I Sign Up?
To make sure you have coverage call the Customer Support Center at (855) 532-5465 between 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and request to sign up through a Special Enrollment Period. Currently the only way to sign up for a Special Enrollment Period is to call in.
Just note, since this Special Enrollment Period is only for people who are uninsured, you won’t be able to switch plans if you are already enrolled in a health plan. However, if you enrolled during Open Enrollment for coverage starting 1/1, but are no longer enrolled (for any reason) you are eligible to enroll for this SEP.
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
Each year you’re able to sign up for insurance for the coming year during a specific time called Open Enrollment Period, typically November 1st to mid-December. If you’re looking to sign up for insurance this is the only time you’re able to, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
To be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, you’ll need proof of a qualifying life event, which is a major change to your lifestyle or household. Most eligible events cause you to lose your current health coverage.
Examples of regular qualifying life events include:
Losing job-based coverage
Having a baby
Getting married or divorced
Moving to a new zip code or county
Getting released from prison
Get the full list of common qualifying events here.
The COVID-19 Special Enrollment is different from a regular Special Enrollment Period because you do not need a qualifying event, you just need to be uninsured this year.
Coronavirus Coverage Information
Washington D.C. has a helpful resource guide for Coronavirus that can be found here.
It is also helpful to know that the Department of Health and Human Services announced that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) testing is covered as an essential health benefit. This means that if you have a qualified health insurance plan, Medicaid, or Medicare, the test is applied to your copays or deductible.
Want to learn more about coronavirus? Check out our COVID-19 Resource Guide for Independent Workers.
