Insurers asked to extend ACA enrollment

In attempt to limit the number of people facing a gap in coverage, the Obama administration is encouraging insurance companies to provide “retroactive coverage for people who sign up after Jan.1” (Source: “Health Plans Urged to Extend Enrollment,” New York Times, Dec. 12, 2013).

“We are encouraging insurers to allow individuals who signed up by Dec. 23 but didn’t pay until sometime in January to get coverage starting on Jan. 1,” the administration said. “We are also encouraging insurers to allow people who pay part but not all of their premium to have their coverage start on time.”

The administration also strongly encouraged insurance companies to let new subscribers go outside their network of providers and refill prescriptions for drugs not on lists of approved medication, in order to further reduce disruptions for those signing up for a new plan.