In May we let you know that we will soon stop offering our Anthem Enhanced Choice plans (AEC) because of a new Federal rule that limits the length of Short Term Plans.
It’s important to know that the loss of AEC coverage because of these new rules does not qualify an individual for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) in the Individual market. This means that if the date their AEC plan ends is not during the annual Open Enrollment period, they will not be able to enroll in a plan on the marketplace until the next Open Enrollment period. This could create a gap in their coverage.
To help members in this situation, we will accept applications for members currently covered by an AEC plan to enroll in an Anthem off-marketplace plan within 60 days of their AEC coverage ending. While financial assistance is not available to those who enroll in off-Marketplace plans, this special opportunity can help impacted members stay covered.
Here’s how you can help clients take advantage of this 60-day enrollment window:
- Help them fill out a paper application, and submit the application before their plan expires. This will help them avoid a gap in coverage.
- Applications are located in the Producer Toolbox under the Documents and Forms section.
- New dependents cannot be added to the enrollment. This opportunity is only for existing members.
- Write "Loss of AEC plan" at the top of the application. Do not check any SEP boxes.
- Submit the application through email, fax or regular mail using the standard business process.
If you have any questions about this process or helping your AEC clients stay covered, contact your Anthem representative.