ACA Open Enrollment is closed, but HSA for America supports consumers in accessing special enrollment opportunities and alternatives to health insurance.
FORT COLLINS, CO – March 19, 2025 – HSA for America is raising awareness about special enrollment and alternatives to traditional health insurance for consumers who missed the Open Enrollment period.
Strict open enrollment periods, often extending from November through January in most states, limit when Americans can change their current policies.
Special enrollment periods (SEPs) provide a second chance for those who miss open enrollment. Eligible consumers can access special enrollment periods due to specific circumstances and life events, such as a job change, marriage, or the birth of a child.
HSA for America is streamlining the process of exploring health insurance options outside open enrollment, and alternative solutions, such as healthshare plans, with access to dedicated Personal Benefits Managers, comprehensive guidance, and step-by-step support.
What is Special Enrollment and Who Qualifies?
When Open Enrollment ends, many people assume they’re out of options for health insurance.
However, Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) provide a second chance to secure coverage.
These periods allow individuals to enroll in new health plans, or adjust their existing coverage, if they experience a qualifying life event such as:
- Loss of Health Coverage: Losing health insurance due to job loss, aging out of a parent’s plan, or losing Medicaid eligibility can trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
- Changes in Household: Major life events such as getting married or having a baby.
- Changes in Residence: Moving to a new ZIP code, state, or country, or relocating for work or school, may open a Special Enrollment window.
- New Health Benefit Offer: Employees may have limited time to enroll in marketplace coverage if an employer introduces a Qualified Small Employer HRA (QSEHRA) or Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA).
Some consumers who experience an unexpected situation, such as a natural disaster, or unexpected hospitalization that rendered them incapacitated during open enrollment may also qualify.
Additionally, specific low-income individuals may qualify for an ongoing SEP, allowing them to enroll outside the usual deadlines.
The Value and Importance of Special Enrollment
Going without health insurance, even briefly, can be a serious financial and medical risk.
Without coverage, a sudden illness or injury can lead to overwhelming medical bills. Special Enrollment ensures that individuals and families maintain access to essential healthcare services.
Having insurance also means access to preventive care, including routine check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. These services help catch health issues early, reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving overall well-being.
Additionally, most Americans are now required to have ACA-approved health coverage, or risk facing a tax penalty. Special enrollment offers a crucial safety net.
However, like open enrollment, special enrollment periods are time-sensitive, often lasting 60 days from the time of the qualified event.
As Wiley Long, President of HSA for America, notes: “Millions of Americans don’t realize they still have options after Open Enrollment. The biggest mistake people make is waiting too long to explore their options. Acting fast is the difference between having coverage or facing overwhelming medical bills.”
Compare Pricing on the Best HealthShare Plans Available
Exploring Special Enrollment Options with HSA for America
Following a qualifying life event, individuals typically have 60 days to enroll in a new health plan.
Missing this window could mean going months without coverage. HSA for America provides expert guidance to help individuals navigate their options.
For those who qualify, HSA for America offers guidance on numerous approved Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, providing comprehensive coverage. HSA for America’s Personal Benefits Managers assist individuals in finding the best marketplace plans and applying for subsidies.
Unlike most traditional health insurance marketplaces, HSA for America also specializes in alternative options, including:
- Health Savings Accounts: Health Savings Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts are available to qualifying consumers, allowing them to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax money..
- Healthsharing plans: Healthshare programs offer up to 50% savings on healthcare costs. These faith-based programs allow members to share medical expenses, providing a legal way to opt out of traditional insurance.
- Short-term plans: Short-term plans offer a low-cost alternative to traditional insurance. These plans provide temporary coverage, sometimes within 24 hours of application, and are ideal for those who missed Open Enrollment or need an immediate solution.
Unlike standard ACA plans, many of these options support enrollment throughout the year.
“Many people assume they have to settle for expensive insurance plans or go without coverage,” said Wiley Long, President of HSA for America. “But the truth is, more flexible and affordable options are available, and our team is here to help people find the best fit.”
How to Get Started with Special Enrollment
Navigating Special Enrollment can feel overwhelming, but HSA for America simplifies the process. Whether choosing a traditional ACA plan, a short-term policy, or a cost-saving healthshare program, a Personal Benefits Manager can guide individuals through their options.
“With rising healthcare costs, finding the right plan can feel overwhelming – particularly for those who miss Open Enrollment. HSA for America allows people to take control of their healthcare, whatever their situation,” says Wiley Long.
To learn more about Special Enrollment and other innovative healthcare solutions, contact an HSA for America Personal Benefits Manager today.
About HSA for America
HSA for America is a leading independent health insurance advisor, specializing in health savings accounts (HSAs), affordable insurance solutions, and healthshare plans.
Serving families, individuals, self-employed professionals, and small businesses, HSA for America is committed to helping clients reduce healthcare costs while maximizing their benefits through personalized guidance, expert advice, and innovative coverage options.
For more information, visit HSAforAmerica.com.
Wiley is President of HSA for America. He believes that consumers should have choice and price transparency, so they can make the best healthcare decisions for their needs. Read more about Wiley on his Bio page.
