{"id":6713,"date":"2019-11-01T11:42:56","date_gmt":"2019-11-01T15:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=6713"},"modified":"2024-01-10T17:21:28","modified_gmt":"2024-01-10T22:21:28","slug":"aca-open-enrollment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/aca-open-enrollment\/","title":{"rendered":"What you need to know about ACA open enrollment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each November is when you need to start thinking about your health insurance status and plan for any updates to your coverage. Whether you\u2019re considering health insurance as an individual or family, it\u2019s essential to be prepared for the Open Enrollment Period for coverage through the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>ACA <\/span><\/a>Open Enrollment Period for 2025 health insurance plans runs in most states from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025. In some states, those periods may vary. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Fast facts about ACA open enrollment<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nEnrollment period<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nEffective dates<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nConsiderations<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Open enrollment<\/span><\/td>\nNov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025<\/span><\/td>\nChanges take effect Jan. 1, 2025 when you enroll by Dec. 15, 2024<\/span><\/td>\nSome states offer extended open enrollment periods. See the table below for more details. Note: If you are eligible for Medicare, you will enroll during a <\/span>different enrollment period<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Special Enrollment Period<\/span><\/td>\n60 days following a qualifying life event<\/span><\/td>\nNew coverage starts the day you apply for the plan. However, you won\u2019t be able to use the health benefits until your eligibility is confirmed and you\u2019ve paid your premium.<\/span><\/td>\nIf you miss open enrollment and do not qualify for special enrollment, you can still apply for Medicaid, CHIP, or short-term health insurance.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), sometimes referred to as Obamacare, is a federal statute signed into law by the Obama administration. The law was designed to increase healthcare coverage for Americans, primarily by expanding Medicaid services and eligibility, creating state-based health plan marketplaces, and changing how insurance companies offer coverage for people with preexisting conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Implemented in 2010, core aspects of Obamacare are still in place. Health insurance marketplaces, sometimes called health insurance exchanges, still exist for people to use. However, in 2017 the law was amended by Congress during the Trump administration to remove the individual mandate\u2014the tax penalty for people choosing not to have health insurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, there are some states that enforce their own penalties for not having health insurance. Residents of New Jersey, the District of Columbia, California, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts can face tax penalties for not maintaining insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Is there a penalty for being uninsured?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How do I enroll?<\/span><\/h2>\n

During the Open Enrollment Period, there are several ways to obtain coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n