Extension of Exchange Special Enrollment Period

On March 30, 2021, Director Cameron released Bulletin No. 21-02, extending the special enrollment period (SEP) on the state exchange as a part of Idaho’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The SEP will now be in effect through April 30, 2021. As background, individuals may usually only elect coverage through the state exchange (Your Health Idaho) during open enrollment or special enrollment periods.

During this SEP, individuals can apply for coverage through the exchange or directly through carriers. The state also requests that carriers allow the SEP in off-exchange individual health benefit plans. The SEP does not allow currently enrolled individuals to change carriers or metal levels unless they have another qualifying event. Coverage selections made between April 1, 2021, and April 30, 2021, will be effective on May 1, 2021.

Although this change affects the individual market, employers should keep this in mind as it would likely create a qualifying event that would allow for an employee to potentially drop employer coverage (for themselves or their dependents) to go on the Idaho exchange.

Bulletin No. 21-02 »