Q & A with iCan Counsel: Matt Leeth Esq.

Q: What does "open enrollment" mean for healthcare.gov? Does it mean I can"t sign up for insurance after a certain time frame? Does that apply only to healthcare.gov or to the private sector as well? Josh M. – Henderson, NV

A: This year, the window to sign up for a plan on the Obamacare "Marketplace" via healthcare.gov is October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014. For each year after this first "launch" year, though, open enrollment will only be from November 15 through January 15. That only gives approximately 2 months for Americans to sign up for coverage on healthcare.gov, unless they experience a qualifying life event such as marriage, divorce, or having a baby (that would allow them to purchase a policy outside the open enrollment period). For many, this is a very narrow window that takes place over the holiday months in our country. Regardless, those that don"t sign up by these key dates could be shut-out from the Marketplace for the entire year.

These open enrollment periods are set and apply only to the Marketplace insurance plans. Insurance plans sold in the private sector, or "off-Marketplace," including Major Medical policy, do not necessarily abide by these same enrollment periods. Historically an American could sign up for Major Medical policy any time of the year. That has not changed! Insurance carriers can, and many will, still offer plans off-Marketplace year round. Some carriers may set their own enrollment periods, but unlike the Marketplace, they are not required to.

These Major Medical plans will:

• Cover all the Essential Health Benefits
• Meet "Minimum Essential Coverage" required for you to avoid the individual mandate tax
• Not deny enrollees or vary premium based on pre-existing conditions

Insurance plans purchased off-Marketplace won"t be eligible for subsidies for those who otherwise qualify. Aside from enrollment flexibility, off-Marketplace plans offer many Americans expanded hospital networks compared to the healthcare.gov plans available in their county, and lower deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses. Off-Marketplace plans are not simply a last-resort for those who missed healthcare.gov"s open enrollment period – they are competitive plans worth comparing.

As you can see, there are simple answers to your questions – Open enrollment is a set period to enroll in a healthcare.gov plan, and these dates don"t necessarily apply to off-Marketplace plans available to you. However, this a very complicated issue and one you should speak to a licensed health insurance agent about. iCan has a team of licensed health insurance agents ready to answer your specific questions about how healthcare reform affects you and your family, and what you need to do to the right coverage. Don"t go it alone – iCan"s licensed agents are here to help you.

Matt Leeth is an attorney at iCan, and is licensed to practice in the State of Florida. The information or opinions contained herein are for informational purposes only as a service to the public, and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel.