The DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority’s executive board has unanimously voted to create a special enrollment period for employees of small businesses currently covered through DC Health Link amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Through this special enrollment period, employees of small businesses that purchase health insurance coverage through DC Health Link can enroll in health insurance or enroll their dependents now, rather than being required to wait for their employer’s next annual open enrollment period.
Outside of their employer’s annual open enrollment period, an employee is required to have a qualifying life event such as marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other health care coverage to be able to enroll in their employer’s health insurance plan.
The DCHBX Executive Board expanded qualifying life events to include the coronavirus pandemic. This action permits any current employee of a small business that purchases health insurance through DC Health Link to enroll in their employer’s health plan.
The special enrollment period will run through Sept. 15, which mirrors action previously taken by DCHBX to provide uninsured individuals and families the opportunity to enroll in health insurance through DC Health Link. Anyone who is uninsured in the District should visit DCHealthLink.com and sign up for coverage now. Depending on income, residents may qualify for Medicaid or premium reductions for private health insurance.