When is an individual considered enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP)?

An individual is considered enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) as soon as they pay their premium. This payment is a crucial step in the enrollment process because it signifies the individual's commitment to maintaining coverage. Without the premium payment, the coverage would not activate, even if the application is completed or approved.

The application itself is just the initial step in the process of obtaining health insurance. Even after approval, an individual does not have active coverage until the premium is paid. Further, while receiving an insurance card can confirm enrollment, this step occurs after the payment has been made and does not independently signify enrollment status. Therefore, the timing of the premium payment is what ultimately determines when an individual is officially enrolled in the QHP.