The open enrollment period for purchasing health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is November 1st through December 15th each year. Access to affordable and comprehensive health insurance is critical. Benefits.gov wants you to be informed of your options for health coverage.
Before you get started, check out some tips about the Health Insurance Marketplace from the federal government’s official health insurance exchange website, Healthcare.gov:
- You can preview the new year’s available Plans and Prices.
- If it’s your first time applying, visit the Get Coverage page and select your state.
- If you already have a plan, log in to compare plans, update your application, renew your plan, or change your plan.
- Find a trained assister in your community who can help you apply, renew, or change your plan.
How does Healthcare.gov work?
Through Healthcare.gov, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), you can search for various types of health insurance plans. The site gives you the option to compare health plans from a variety of providers. You may qualify for lower premiums and deductibles based on factors such as your household income, where you reside, and other basic demographic information. If your household earns less than four times the federal poverty line, then you may also qualify for a subsidy to purchase health insurance.
When is the open enrollment period?
From November 1st through December 15th you can apply for health plans that begin coverage on January 1st each year. To apply, create an account and fill out an application form, which will determine your eligibility results. Then, review the plans you may be eligible for, choose one, and enroll. It’s quick, easy and will help you get coverage for any medical emergencies that occur in your life.
Do states have their own health insurance exchanges?
Depending on where you live, your state may have set up its own exchange through which you can apply for and receive health insurance. Select your state on the Get Coverage page to find out whether it has its own exchange. If your state does not have its own exchange, you can view plan options and apply for health insurance directly through HealthCare.gov.
Health insurance can help you receive medical treatment and keep costs down that you would otherwise pay out of pocket. If you don’t have health insurance, we strongly encourage you to consider enrolling in a plan. As always, we encourage you to take our Benefit Finder questionnaire to find other benefits you may be eligible to receive.
