Here are five things to know:
1. Health insurance companies are displeased with President Obama’s leniency with these “special enrollment” periods, as they have resulted in increased costs.
2. Some Americans are taking advantage of these “special enrollment” periods by declining to sign up for insurance until they are sick.
3. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association voiced concerns over the extended deadlines, reporting those Americans who enrolled during “special enrollment” periods are using up to 55 percent more services than those Americans who signed up during open enrollment.
4. Aetna reported those who enrolled during “special enrollment” periods maintained coverage for less than four months, while those who enrolled during open enrollment maintained coverage for eight months to nine months, on average.
5. The Obama administration agreed with the health insurance company complaints, but responded that Americans must have a way to enroll post-deadline if needs arise.
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