Got Married
Health insurance plans are an essential consideration after you tie the knot. If you’re getting married soon or were recently married, your health insurance options may be different.
Of course, you’ve probably got a million things on your mind – from flowers and cakes to limos and honeymoons. You don’t want to spend a single second more than you have to thinking about something like health insurance. The good news is that we can make the process quick and painless!
Qualifying Life Event
Generally, the only time you can enroll in a new health plan is during an open enrollment period, meaning the earliest your coverage could begin is January 1 of the next year! The open enrollment dates are November 1 to December 15.
A qualifying life event allows you to enroll in a plan outside of the period of open enrollment. For a life event to be eligible, it must typically be a significant change in your life, such as a change to your residence, family or previous health coverage.
Luckily, your marriage is considered a qualifying life event. So, within 60 days of being married, you can apply for coverage even if we are outside of an open enrollment period.
If you or your spouse do not have health coverage or want to switch, getting coverage can be as easy as taking a few minutes to get a quote, selecting your new plan and submitting the application.
Special Enrollment Period
Beyond the open enrollment period, you may also be able to sign up for a new health insurance plan during another enrollment period. With a qualifying life event, you may be eligible to enroll during the special enrollment period. The special enrollment dates are December 16 to October 31.
Special enrollment periods can help you change your plan after a qualifying life event and avoid a gap in coverage. When your coverage will become effective depends on your qualifying life event and the date you submit your application. Typically, for insurance to be effective by the 1st of the next month, you must enroll in a plan by the 15th of the current month.
What Are Your Insurance Options?
Now that you’re a couple, you may want to consider purchasing family health insurance. A sufficient family health insurance plan is especially crucial if you plan on having children. In California, the most common types of managed care plans are preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and health maintenance organizations (HMOs):
- PPOs: A PPO offers your family flexible medical coverage. While you will have a primary care doctor, you can visit specialists without referrals, though you’ll save money by staying in-network.
- HMOs: An HMO allows you to select a primary care doctor, who will advise you on any needed medical care and refer you to specialists as necessary. HMOs offer low copayments, but care from out-of-network physicians will not be covered.
How much you will pay for your health insurance will vary depending on:
- Your zip code
- Your household income
- The health insurance plan you select
- How many people are in your household
- The ages of each of your family members
- How many people are included in your family health insurance plan
Get a Quote for Health Insurance
With Health for California, you can learn everything you need to know about your family health insurance options and what each plan covers. We have an amazing team of Covered California Certified Agents who would love to help you with your enrollment.
Get a free quote for affordable family health insurance from us at Health for California today. If you’re uncertain about your needs or have any other questions, please give us a call.
