Health insurer industry trade group America’s Health Insurance Providers (AHIP) today announced an extended deadline for paying the first month’s premium for those purchasing coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s new marketplaces.
To be insured on Jan. 1, consumers are required to select their plans by Dec. 23. The deadline to pay the first month’s premium has now been moved from Dec. 31 to Jan. 10, due to ongoing technical issues.
“Consumers who select their plans by December 23 and pay their premiums by January 10 will be able to have coverage effective January 1,” AHIP said. “Under current rules and guidance, consumers who want to begin coverage on January 1 must select a plan by December 23 and pay the first month’s 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 consumers’ coverage may not be able to begin on Jan. 1…Consumers must still pay their first month’s 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.”
“Our community is taking an important step to give consumers greater peace of mind about their health care coverage,” said AHIP President and CEO Karen Ignagni.
