While you're planning the most important day of your life, you might not be thinking about health insurance after you're married. But, it is something to be mindful of, especially with the Affordable Care Act in place.

QualChoice takes a look at how it will affect you after you exchange your vows:

  1. Choosing a health insurance plan can be daunting and, with the ACA in place, there are new rules and regulations to consider. The ACA created what are called enrollment periods. These are periods of time during the year when individuals applying for health insurance must do so within a specific time frame. In Arkansas, the most recent enrollment period has ended. However, there is still an opportunity for some individuals to enroll through qualifying events. Qualifying events create special enrollment windows and include giving birth, losing a job or getting married. So, if you and your future spouse have decided to join health insurance plans, then getting married will create a short window in which you can make those changes. To take advantage of this, you must apply for coverage within 60 days from the date of your marriage and provide a copy of your marriage license.
  2. The next enrollment period starts Nov. 15, 2014 and ends Feb. 15, 2015 for effective dates beginning Jan. 1, 2015. This is subject to change.
  3. Individuals must re-enroll every year. Being aware of the enrollment periods is crucial because you have to re-enroll every year. The dates of enrollment periods may vary.
  4. If you and you’re spouse-to-be are unsure if you should join plans, stay on your current individual plans or get new individual plans, ask yourself these questions and consider the outcome of each one:
  • What's the cost difference between keeping your plan, joining your spouse's plan or adding your spouse to your plan?
  • How do the coverage options and benefits differ?
  • Will either of you have to change doctors if you enroll in the other's plan?

If you have questions about your health insurance options after marriage, contact an IQChoice Representative at (866) 645-1790.