The clock has nearly wound down for individuals and families to purchase private health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). After March 31, 2014 the next earliest opportunity to purchase health insurance via the federal and state health exchanges established under the ACA, is November 15, 2014.  That date is when the next open enrollment period for private health insurance begins.  Those without insurance coverage between the March 31 deadline and Nov. 15 will be subject to a penalty of $95 per adult and $47.50 for minors up to a maximum of $285 per family or 1 percent of income, whichever is greater.

The only circumstances under which individuals and families will be permitted to purchase insurance outside the open enrollment period is for qualifying events. Under the ACA, events such as the birth of a baby, marriage and adoption qualify as circumstances under which an individual can purchase insurance between open enrollment periods. Similarly, individuals who relocate to an area that does not offer the same coverage they had previously would also be allowed to purchase insurance outside the open enrollment period.

If you live in Alhambra, California or nearby and have questions about purchasing health insurance under the ACA, please contact the insurance specialists at Michelle Lim Insurance Services Insurance. We can help you navigate the many nuances of the ACA.