RELEASE: Hawai‘i Health Connector Wraps Up First Open Enrollment Period, Continues to Help Consumers Understand Their Options
News release from Hawaii Health Connector May 2, 2014
HONOLULU, HI – The Hawai‘i Health Connector Hawai‘i concluded its first open enrollment period, which included a grace period that ended on April 30, with 9,785 enrollees. In addition, residents might be eligible to enroll in a health plan through the Hawai‘i Health Connector if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) between now and November 14, 2014.
“We want people to know we are here to help them understand their coverage options,” said Tom Matsuda, the Connector’s interim executive director. “We know that under Special Enrollment Period rules, individuals and families can obtain coverage if they experience a qualifying event.”
The life events that may qualify an individual for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) include:
- Adoption
- Foster care
- Birth of a child
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Gain of citizenship, national or lawfully present status
- Loss of health insurance coverage when you are no longer eligible for other health insurance (as a result of leaving a job, loss of Medical Assistance or Quest, or loss of coverage under a spouse’s plan).
- Newly eligible or ineligible for tax credits or having a change in eligibility for cost-sharing reductions for individuals already enrolled on Hawaii Health Connector.
- Changes in the cost or benefits of employer-provided coverage
- Permanent address change which provides new Qualified Health Plan choices
- Change in income levels
- Enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe
A SEP starts on the date when the qualifying event occurs and lasts for up to 60 days. During this period, the Connector’s Kokua will continue to help them identify their options so individuals can find a plan that fits their needs.
Consumers are encouraged to contact a Kōkua as soon as they experience any one of the qualifying life events to learn about their health options.
Low-income Hawaii residents can enroll year-round in Quest, a state and federally subsidized health care program. Quest eligibility rules have been expanded, so more Hawaii residents qualify for free or low cost health coverage.
Matsuda added that the Connector Kōkua are available to assist consumers who have questions about their coverage. Consumers can find the most convenient Kokua by using the Marketplace locator at HawaiiHealthConnector.com. Residents can also call the customer service support center for additional details at 1-877-628-5076 (M-F, 8a-8p). The next open enrollment period begins November 15, 2014.
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About the Hawai‘i Health Connector
The Hawai‘i Health Connector is the online health insurance marketplace for Hawai‘i. The Connector was established as a non-profit organization in 2011 by the Hawai‘i State Legislature through Act 205, in order to comply with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010. The Connector’s aim is an online marketplace that is of Hawai‘i-for-Hawai‘i, one that takes into account the State’s unique culture and works with the Prepaid Health Care Act, an employer mandate for health insurance coverage in effect since 1974. For more information, visit www.HawaiiHealthConnector.com.
Related: Feds Release Profile of Hawaii Health Connector Signups