Health insurer industry trade group Americaโs Health Insurance Providers (AHIP) today announced an extended deadline for paying the first monthโs premium for those purchasing coverage through the Affordable Care Actโs new marketplaces.
To be insured on Jan. 1, consumers are required to select their plans by Dec. 23. The deadline to pay the first monthโs premium has now been moved from Dec. 31 to Jan. 10, due to ongoing technical issues.
โConsumers who select their plans by December 23 and pay their premiums by January 10 will be able to have coverage effective January 1,โ AHIP said. โUnder current rules and guidance, consumers who want to begin coverage on January 1 must select a plan by December 23 and pay the first monthโs premium by December 31. The short time period in which to complete these steps, particularly around the holidays, combined with the ongoing technical issues with healthcare.gov have raised concerns that some consumersโ coverage may not be able to begin on Jan. 1โฆConsumers must still pay their first monthโs premium before coverage takes effect, but those who pay their premium by January 10 will now be able to have coverage retroactive to January 1.โ
โOur community is taking an important step to give consumers greater peace of mind about their health care coverage,โ said AHIP President and CEO Karen Ignagni.