Aug. 5, 2021

The special enrollment period for the exchange insurance marketplace will end Aug. 15, 2021. The federal government announced the special enrollment period earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that 15 million Americans lack health insurance and are eligible for Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage. Many are eligible for free or reduced-cost coverage.

Consumers who are eligible for an ACA health insurance plan and who are not currently covered by a health insurance plan must enroll by Aug. 15. Those who enroll during this time period will have health insurance that starts Sept. 1.

Many consumers will be eligible for tax credits to reduce their premiums for marketplace coverage. Those who did not qualify prior to April 1, 2021, might now be eligible under the expanded relief plan. BlueCross ACA members could be eligible for free or reduced-cost coverage.

Those who need assistance navigating the exchange insurance marketplace can make an appointment at any BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina retail center. Retail centers are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. by appointment only at the following locations:

• Columbia Retail Center: 1260 Bower Parkway, Suite A4 in Columbiana Station
• Greenville Retail Center: 1025 Woodruff Road, Suite A105 in Magnolia Park Shopping Center
• Mount Pleasant Retail Center: 1795 North Highway 17, Unit 7 in Mount Pleasant Town Centre

Store capacity will be limited to 10 people including employees. Customers are encouraged to practice social distancing while in the retail store. Consumers can schedule an appointment at www.scblueretailcenters.com.

Consumers with questions about enrolling in a BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina ACA plan can call our toll-free hotline at 833-255-7712. Consumers can also learn more and enroll in a BlueCross ACA plan at www.MySCPlan.com.

About BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Headquartered in Columbia and operating in South Carolina for 74 years, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The only South Carolina-owned and operated health insurance carrier, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina comprises more than 20 companies involved in health insurance services, U.S. DoD health program and Medicare contracts, other insurance and employee benefits services, and a philanthropic foundation that funds programs to improve health care and access to health care for South Carolinians. It holds an A+ rating from A.M. Best.