If your grandfathered health plan is changed or canceled

You have 3 options:

• Buy another plan from the same company: They must allow you to buy any other plan available to you. The new plan will include the rights and protections.
• Buy a plan through the Marketplace: All Marketplace plans include ACA rights and protections. When you apply, you’ll find out if you qualify for savings based on your income.
  • Losing health coverage qualifies you for a
    Special Enrollment Period

    A time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, or if your household income is below a certain amount.

    , so you can enroll even outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period. Learn how.
  • If your plan is canceled and you feel you can’t afford a new plan, you can buy a
    Catastrophic health plan

    Health plans that meet all of the requirements applicable to other Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) but don't cover any benefits other than 3 primary care visits per year before the plan's deductible is met.

    . Learn how.
• Buy a plan outside the Marketplace: This may be a good option if you don’t qualify for savings based on your income. But if you do qualify to save, you get the savings only if you enroll through the Marketplace. Most plans outside the Marketplace include the ACA rights and protections.

For more information on canceled grandfathered plans, contact the Marketplace Call Center.

You have 3 options:

• Accept the plan and renew it: The price may go up and benefits may change, so read the offer carefully.
• Buy a plan through the Marketplace: Losing health coverage qualifies you for a
  Special Enrollment Period

  A time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, or if your household income is below a certain amount.

  , so you can enroll even outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period. Learn how. All Marketplace plans include the ACA rights and protections.
• Buy a plan outside the Marketplace: This may be a good option if you don’t qualify for savings based on your income. But if you do qualify to save, you can get the savings only if you enroll through the Marketplace. Most plans outside the Marketplace include the rights and protections.

If your grandfathered plan is canceled and you think you can’t afford a Marketplace plan, you can apply for an affordability exemption for purposes of obtaining catastrophic coverage.

A Catastrophic plan generally has lower premiums but requires you to pay nearly all your medical costs up to a certain amount, usually several thousand dollars.

How to get a Catastrophic insurance plan:

• If you’re under 30, you can enroll in a Catastrophic plan online or by calling the Marketplace Call Center.
• If you’re 30 or older, you must apply for a hardship exemption (including affordability) to qualify for Catastrophic coverage, and the Marketplace must determine that you’re unable to afford health coverage. Learn about hardship exemptions and Catastrophic plans.
• Note: Whether you’re renewing a Catastrophic plan from a previous plan year or applying for new coverage, you must update your Marketplace application, either online at Healthcare.gov or by calling the Call Center, with a valid
  Exemption Certificate Number (ECN)

  A number the Marketplace provides when you qualify for a health insurance exemption. When you fill out an exemption application, the Marketplace will review it and determine if you qualify. The Marketplace will mail you a notice of the exemption eligibility result. If you qualify for an exemption, the notice will include your unique identifier, called the exemption certificate number (ECN). Each member of your household who qualifies for the exemption will get their own ECN. You’ll need your ECN when you file your federal taxes for the year you don’t have coverage.

  . Then, you’ll be able to complete your enrollment.

Important: If you buy a Catastrophic plan, you don’t qualify for savings based on your household size or income. You pay the standard price quoted by the insurance company.