(a) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 10965.3, with respect to individual health benefit plans offered outside of the Exchange, a health insurer shall provide an annual enrollment period for policy years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, from November 1 of the preceding calendar year, to January 31 of the benefit year, inclusive.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 10965.3, with respect to individual health benefit plans offered through the Exchange, for policy years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, a health insurer shall provide a special enrollment period for all individuals selecting an individual health benefit plan through the Exchange from December 16 of the preceding calendar year, to January 31 of the benefit year, inclusive. An application for a health benefit plan submitted during this special enrollment period shall be treated the same as an application submitted during the annual open enrollment period.
(c) The effective date of coverage for plan selection made from December 16 to January 31, inclusive, shall be February 1 of the benefit year for individual health benefit plans offered outside and through the Exchange.
(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 828, Sec. 2. (AB 1309) Effective January 1, 2020.)