Legal Q& A with iCan Counsel - Michael Bertrand Esq.

Q: "I missed the Open Enrollment period, but I need coverage. What are my options?" - Charles G., Chicago, Illinois

A: Charles, since you didn't enroll in a health plan by the end of March 31st, you will unfortunately have to wait until the next open enrollment period begins in the fall of 2014. But be careful: the next open enrollment period will get you coverage in 2015 - not 2014.

There are, however, "special enrollment events" that might allow you to purchase major medical coverage for 2014 outside of the enrollment period, and they include:

• Getting married.
• Having or adopting a child.
• Permanently moving to a new state or area.
• You also qualify for a "special enrollment" if you lose health coverage due to a divorce, or job loss (but please note that having a previous policy cancelled due to non-payment of premium does not qualify for special enrollment).

Second, consider an alternative type of health coverage that can help cover your medical expenses until the next open enrollment period. Short-term medical insurance and indemnity plans (often referred to as "fixed benefit" plans) for example, can provide you with the peace of mind and security of knowing you have coverage, even if those policies don't contain all the benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act. Keep in mind that you can't get a subsidy for a short-term medical or an indemnity plan, and some plans may require you to wait a period of time – perhaps a year – before any pre-existing condition is covered. Nevertheless, these are affordable options that you should discuss with a licensed insurance agent.

Third, remember there is no open enrollment period for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If your income is low enough to qualify, you should be able to enroll in those programs at any point during the year. Contact your state's Medicaid office for enrollment information.

Fourth, if you just turned 65 or will be turning 65 this year, you can enroll in Medicare. Individuals can enroll in Medicare during the month they turn 65, during the three months before the month they turn 65, and during the three months after the month they turn 65.

Here at iCan, our mission is to help people find the coverage they need at a price they can afford. We offer major medical coverage, short-term medical, and fixed benefit plans. We also offer subsidized plans in several states. Call a member of the iCan team today and let us walk you through the options that are available to you.