On March 23, 2021, President Biden announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending access to the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) until August 15 – giving consumers additional time to take advantage of new savings through the American Rescue Plan. This action provides new and current enrollees an additional three months to enroll or re-evaluate their coverage needs with increased tax credits available to reduce premiums.
“Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care – especially as we fight back against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Through this Special Enrollment Period, the Biden Administration is giving the American people the chance they need to find an affordable health care plan that works for them. The American Rescue Plan will bring costs down for millions of Americans, and I encourage consumers to visit HealthCare.gov and sign up for a plan before August 15.”
- To read the HHS press release, visit: HHS Press Release
- To view the extended opportunity SEP fact sheet, visit: Extended Opportunity 2021 SEP Fact Sheet
- See the updated technical guidance on the SEP at: SEP Technical Guidance
- For FAQs on the 2021 SEP and the American Rescue Plan visit: SEP and ARP FAQs
Maria Calderon
Marketplace Navigator
Community Health Net
mcruz@community-healthnet.com