With insurance plans secured through the federal or state-based exchanges set to go into effect on Jan. 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says it's redoubling its efforts to ensure that anyone who was once without employee benefits will have a private plan to fall back on starting the first day of 2014.
Kathleen Sebelius, HHS secretary, indicated that among the steps taken by health officials include requiring insurers to accept premium payments up to and including Dec. 31 for all plans that are scheduled to begin on Jan. 1. Additionally, it's advising carriers that even if policyholders haven't paid for the policy in full before the last day of December, that they should not suspend coverage.
The former Kansas governor also stated that HHS is further solidifying the decision to give individuals an extra eight days to sign up for health insurance coverage for plans that would begin on Jan. 1. Previously, the cut-off date was Dec. 15.
Also, due to the confusion of policies expiring with new ones beginning, Sebelius said that its prompted private insurers to continue covering prescriptions under the structure of former plans throughout the first month of the new year.
"We are providing additional flexibility to consumers across the country to ensure they have access to coverage options that begin on January 1, 2014," said Sebelius. "The Department is committed to providing consumers with the information they need to pick the coverage option that works for them and their families."
Meanwhile, as 2014 fast approaches, several state-based exchanges have united to promote awareness of the ACA and encourage those who don't have a plan to get coverage. The campaign, dubbed "Tell a Friend – Get Covered," is sponsored by the exchanges in Connecticut, California and 501(c)(3) organization Enroll America, which is supportive of the ACA.
