This morning, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that there would be a new Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for those who are subject to the “shared responsibility payment” (tax penalty) this tax season for not having coverage in 2014 and still do not have coverage for 2015. CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner said that CMS “recognize(s) that this is the first tax filing season where consumers may have to pay a fee or claim an exemption for not having health insurance coverage” and that CMS wants “to provide those who were not aware or did not understand the requirement with an opportunity to enroll in affordable coverage this year.” The SEP will start March 15 and go until April 30.

To read the full CMS announcement and the specific requirements that a consumer must meet for the SEP, click here.