Frequently Asked Questions About
Open Enrollment
When is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment begins November 1st, you can sign up for, renew, or switch your health insurance plan for the upcoming year through the Marketplace. Coverage can start as early as January 1st. To get coverage starting January 1st, you must enroll by December 15th.
Open enrollment officially ends on January 15th, which is the last day to enroll in or change health plans for the year. After this date, you can only enroll in or change plans if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
Key Dates
- Open enrollment starts November 1st and ends on Jaunary 15th.
- Enroll by December 15th for coverage that starts January 1st.
- If you enroll by January 15th, coverage starts February 1st.
How can I enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace?
To be eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace, you:
- Must live in the United States.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses.
- Can’t be incarcerated.
If you have Medicare coverage, you’re not eligible to use the Marketplace to buy a health or dental plan. Learn more about Medicare and the Marketplace.
If you don’t have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source that provides qualifying health coverage, you can find coverage through the Marketplace.
What are my options if I miss Open Enrollment?
Outside the open enrollment period, you can still get health insurance or change your current plan under two specific circumstances:
1. Qualifying life event: If you have experienced a recent life event such as losing health coverage, moving to a new address, getting married, or having a baby, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. This allows you to enroll in a health plan outside of the regular window.
2. Medicaid or CHIP: If you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can enroll any time of the year. Your coverage will also start immediately upon approval.
What is a Qualifying Life Event?
Qualifying Life Events allow you to make changes to your insurance plan within a set period of time.
Common Qualifying Life Events include, but are not limited to the following:
- Marriage, divorce, or legal separation
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a spouse or child
- Change in spouse’s employment or insurance status
Will my Open Enrollment plan cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes, you will be able to get a plan that will cover your pre-existing conditions during open enrollment.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits health insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums to people with pre-existing conditions.
This means that you can shop for any plan that is available in your state, regardless of your health status.
Who is eligible as a dependent on my health insurance?
Typically, an eligible dependent is your spouse and your dependent child(ren) up to age 26.
In some cases, domestic partners can also be considered as eligible dependents.
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