The Aged and Disabled Insurance (ACD) Consumer Special Enrollment Period began on January 1, 2021 and ran through February 14, 2021. There is a lot of talk about the upcoming Aged and Disabled Insurance (ACD) Consumer Special Enrollment Period, as some see it as an opportunity to lobby for affordable health insurance for the elderly and disabled. Others view it as a time to let insurance companies know how important it is for them to provide affordable coverage for their customers. Some feel that the Aged and Disabled Insurance (ACD) Consumer Special Enrollment Period is unnecessary and a distraction from the important issues regarding Social Security and Medicare.

Both arguments have merit. But there are events leading up to the onset of the new affordable care act that may lead to reopening the Aged and Disabled Insurance (ACD) consumer special enrollment period.

First, the new act may be changing the definition of a “qualified individual” under its Medicare part A Medicaid program. This could have broad effects on the premiums that Medicare Part A Medicare beneficiaries pay. According to Medicare Shared Savings program statistics, the new definition of a qualified individual may be anyone who can demonstrate extreme financial need. In other words, anyone who does not otherwise fit into the traditional definition of a “qualified person” may become a qualified individual if he or she falls under this new definition. It is not clear from the information available whether this new act will apply to all states or only those where Medicaid has been expanded.

Second, Congress has delayed enforcement of part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). There is no timetable for when this section of the law will be implemented. Until it is fully implemented, any U.S. citizens who do not have health insurance will be subject to premium surcharges under the new system. The delay in enforcement does not mean that the law will not be implemented. But it does mean that those who currently do not have affordable care coverage will face tougher rates until they can afford it.

Last, you may want to consider shopping for health insurance outside of the affordable care act. The new law does not affect non-Medicaid health care covered individuals. If those individuals meet the medically necessary minimum standards for receiving Medicaid and are otherwise eligible, they will be allowed to maintain their current health insurance coverage. This means that they can stay with the same insurance company they have had for years, or they can switch to another insurer, like Aetna or Humana.

As you can see, the impact of the new affordable care act (Affordable Care Act 2021 Special Enrollment Period) could be minimal compared to what it would have otherwise been. However, you still should take immediate action. The new deadlines for enrollment in the Medicaid program and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program come early in May, so you should begin looking at your options even sooner. There is no better time than the present to make sure that you have the coverage you need, at an affordable rate.