Federal health officials are cracking down on consumers' ability to buy health plans through HealthCare.gov outside formal enrollment seasons, according to the Portland Press Herald.
Here are five things to know:
1. This crackdown is a response to complaints from insurers that some people have waited to get coverage until they were sick.
2. Under rules announced Feb. 24 by the HHS, people who want coverage under five main reasons for a "special enrollment period" will need to supply documents proving that they deserve an exception from the regular sign-up times.
3. The new requirement will be for people in the 38 states that rely on the federal insurance exchange, who need to begin or change coverage because they have moved, had a baby, adopted a child, gotten married or lost other health coverage.
4. The PPACA allows for consumers to get health plans throughout the year under limited circumstances.
5. According to federal figures, more than 1 million people last year bought health plans by using one of the five special reasons that will now require documentation.