Usually those who do not have access to Group Health coverage sponsored by employer (people who are self - employed, leave their job or start another job that does not provide adequate health insurance, or those who run out of COBRA benefits) and do not qualify for public programs, have to
buy Individual Health Insurance coverage.
Prior to January 1, 2014, when guaranteed issue of insurance coverage, elimination of preexisting condition exclusions, and several other critical ACA protections took effect
for individual health insurance coverage, early retirees between ages 55 and 64 often faced difficulties obtaining insurance in the individual market because of age or chronic conditions that made coverage unaffordable or inaccessible.
Comment: Commenters supported the proposed language which provided for a special enrollment period for individuals enrolled in non-calendar year group health plans or
individual health insurance coverage.
Comment: We received one comment supporting the proposal that there not be a SHOP special enrollment period when a qualified employee or dependent of a qualified employee is enrolled in a non-calendar year group health plan or
individual health insurance coverage.
Group versus individual health coverage: The group health insurance policies usually cost less in comparison to
individual health insurance coverage.
There also are some alternatives to
individual health insurance coverage — such as COBRA coverage, conversion, and coverage through the Connecticut Health Reinsurance Association (HRA).