In May, we shared that we would no longer offer our Anthem Enhanced Choice (AEC) plans because of a new Federal rule that limits the length of Short-Term Plans.
It’s important to know that Open enrollment for 2025 is November 1, 2024, through January 15, 2025. The loss of AEC coverage 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. Now is the time to help your client shop for a new plan, even if their plan hasn’t ended yet.
Your client may be able to get financial help that will lower their monthly premium payments and their share of the cost for care when they apply for ACA-compliant plans on HealthCare.gov during open enrollment.
If your client doesn’t enroll in an ACA-compliant plan on the marketplace during open enrollment and stays on their AEC plan until it ends, they can enroll in an ACA-compliant plan through Anthem. Please note that if they choose this option, they won’t be able to get the financial help that may be available on the marketplace. In June, we let you know about this special opportunity to assist AEC clients to help them stay covered.