What is a gap period?

A gap period is a period of time that an individual may have to wait between signing up for a new health insurance plan and when the coverage begins. In Washington, the gap period can be as short as one day and as long as 63 days for plans at the individual and small group level. During the gap period, an individual does not have health insurance coverage and any health care costs or services received may not be covered by the new plan. However, any existing health plan can stay in place during the gap period, ensuring that there is an uninterrupted level of coverage. In some cases, an individual may be able to get an extension on the gap period if they need more time to apply for and sign up for their new health plan. Additionally, there are certain protections in place to ensure that individuals do not experience a gap in coverage due to medical conditions or treatments. For example, if an individual had an ongoing medical condition when they signed up for a new plan, the gap period is waived and the coverage for the condition will begin immediately. Overall, the gap period is an important consideration for anyone signing up for a new health plan in Washington. It is important to understand the potential gap period and any associated risks before signing up for a plan.

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