FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2021
New Opportunity for Oklahomans to Purchase Health Insurance During Marketplace Special Enrollment Period
OKLAHOMA CITY – A 2021 Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for individual health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will begin next Monday, February 15, 2021. Oklahomans who do not have health insurance may be eligible to purchase coverage through the health insurance marketplace. The SEP was created following the Executive Order issued by President Biden on January 28, 2021. Beginning February 15, 2021 through May 15, 2021 **NEW EXTENSION DATE from May 15, 2021 to August 15, 2021**, this SEP will be open to all exchange-eligible consumers who are submitting a new application or updating an existing application.
“We all understand how important it is to have health insurance and access to affordable health care during this unprecedented time,” said Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready. “In light of the pandemic, Oklahomans have become very aware of the value of health insurance. This is an opportunity to assess your family’s needs during this Special Enrollment Period.”
There are six insurers that offer individual health plans on the 2021 health insurance Marketplace in Oklahoma: Blue Cross Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK), Bright Health, Medica Insurance Company, Oscar Health, UnitedHealthCare (UHC) and CommunityCare Oklahoma (CCOK). BCBSOK and Medica offer statewide plans while Bright Health, CCOK, Oscar and UHC serve limited areas of the state.
The SEP will allow individuals and families to enroll in 2021 health insurance coverage through HealthCare.gov or by contacting the HealthCare.gov Marketplace call center. Visit HealthCare.gov to verify eligibility, view plan options and estimate monthly premiums. Coverage will be prospective on the first day of the month following the application date. No health questions will be asked and no pre-existing condition waiting periods apply. You can also determine if you qualify for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/.
If you have questions about other insurance issues, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.