Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all eligible Americans have the opportunity to shop the Health Insurance Marketplace and get a plan for themselves once a year. This time is called the annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which runs every November 1 through to December 15.
Who is qualified to shop during the Open Enrollment Period?
You’re eligible to shop the health insurance marketplace during the Open Enrollment Period if you are a U.S. citizen, legal resident, and live in the U.S. This includes asylums, refugees, green card holders, and individuals with valid working visas. If you’re currently enrolled in Medicare, you may not be eligible to shop the health insurance marketplace.
When can I shop in the marketplace?
Like we said earlier, you can shop the health insurance marketplace during the open enrollment period, which runs every year from November 1 to December 15. This means anyone living in the U.S can shop during this period. However, some states in the U.S extended their Open Enrollment Period.
When does my health insurance plan start after enrolling?
Anyone who registers during the Open Enrollment Period will have coverage beginning on January 1 and continue until December 31 same year as long as you make all monthly premium payments.
What if I already enrolled in a plan in the previous year?
If you already enrolled in the previous year, you will be re-enrolled automatically in that plan the following year, provided your insurer is still offering the health insurance plan.