The enrollment period for 2022 is now closed. However, if you owe a tax penalty for not having health insurance in 2021 and haven’t yet obtained coverage for 2022, you may still be able to obtain coverage for 2022.

There will be a $325 fine per person or 2% of your family’s income, whichever comes first in 2022 for not having health insurance. You will be charged a fee if you can afford health insurance but choose not to purchase it; but, if you qualify for an exemption, you may not be obliged to pay the fee. If you don’t have coverage for the rest of 2022, you’ll have to pay the cost again the following year for the time you weren’t covered.

 

Consumers and families who will be paid a fee while filing their taxes in 2021 have one more chance to purchase health insurance for 2022, thanks to the Health Insurance Marketplace. The following requirements must be met in order to take advantage of the Special Enrollment Period:

  1. You were unaware that the healthcare law required you and your family to have health coverage until after February 15, 2022, or you were unaware of the implications of that obligation for you and your family.
  2. You owe the fee because you were uninsured for one or more months in 2021.
  3. You haven’t yet enrolled in 2022 eligible health coverage, either through the Health Insurance Marketplace or elsewhere.

 

If you meet all of the criteria, you’ll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period in which you can enroll in a 2022 plan. You might also be able to save money on monthly payments. Eight out of ten consumers may acquire coverage for $100 or less per month through the Marketplace with tax credits.

From March 15 to April 30, 2022, there will be a Special Enrollment Period.

Start your enrollment online at HealthCare.gov, or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to enroll over the phone.

 

Please keep in mind:

  • You can’t switch Marketplace plans during this Special Enrollment Period if you owe a fine for not having coverage in 2021 but are currently enrolled in a 2022 Marketplace plan.
  • You must pay the 2021 price even if you acquire coverage during this Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
  • You don’t have to have filed your 2021 taxes to participate in this SEP; all you have to do is owe the cost.

If any family member meets the eligibility requirements for this SEP, the entire household can enroll in coverage.