Health insurance sign-ups to be reopened this month

Uninsured New Hampshire residents can buy health insurance through the federal marketplace during a special enrollment period starting in two weeks as the Biden administration rejuvenates the Affordable Care Act after years of cutbacks.

Biden’s recent executive order will reopen enrollment on the federal ACA exchanges at HealthCare.gov from Feb. 15 to May 15. The regular enrollment period for coverage this year, which had been shortened by former President Trump as part of his opposition to what is often called Obamacare, ended Dec. 15, 2020.

“With this opportunity, N.H. residents who are uninsured will be able to sign up for coverage without waiting until the next regular open enrollment period at the end of the year,” New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner Chris Nicolopoulos said. “However, since the window is short, they should not delay.”

Those qualifying for financial assistance can receive support when signing up through HealthCare.gov.

Three insurance companies will offer individual plans on the New Hampshire Marketplace: Anthem, Ambetter from NH Healthy Families, and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. 

Those wishing to receive federal financial assistance to pay for a plan should enroll through the marketplace (HealthCare.gov). Insurance agents or enrollment assisters are available to help navigate the process.

Plans can also be bought through an insurance agent or directly from an insurance company, although those will not be the same as those bought through the marketplace and are not eligible for ACA price reductions based on income and other circumstances.