The Affordable Care Act health insurance open enrollment period officially begins this weekend. If you’re thinking about eventually purchasing insurance or changing your current coverage, now is the time to start planning.
Yes, the presidential election isn’t the only thing we have to worry about as we enter November. Early next month will also begin the annual open enrollment period for ACA health plans, during which anyone interested can enroll in a new plan.
In March, the Department of Health and Human Services found that more than 45 million people have insurance through the ACA, using data collected in 2023 and early 2024. Approximately half of Americans still have insurance through their jobs, which remains a significant portion of the U.S. population, and ACA coverage is at an all-time high. If you’re interested in getting involved as well, read on for all the details you need to know.
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When is the Affordable Care Act of 2024 enrollment period?
The upcoming open enrollment period begins November 1, 2024 and runs through January 15, 2025, according to Healthcare.gov. During this period, anyone eligible for ACA insurance can enroll in a new plan or change their current plan. One.
For any changes made by December 15, 2024, the new policy will become effective on January 1, 2025. All changes made between December 16, 2024 and the end of the registration period will become effective on February 1. , 2025.
Who can buy Affordable Care Act health insurance?
Healthcare.gov lists three requirements for people to qualify for health insurance through the Marketplace. First, you must currently reside in the United States and meet the IRS criteria for U.S. tax residency. Second, you must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a non-citizen legally present in the United States. Finally, no one should be currently incarcerated.
If you currently have Medicare insurance, please note that you cannot also sign up for a Marketplace health or dental insurance plan.
How do I enroll in Affordable Care Act health insurance?
Once the open enrollment period begins in November, or if you have a qualifying life event, you can visit the official ACA Online Marketplace website to create an account and begin the process. This official page on Healthcare.gov has a drop-down menu where you can select your state or territory of residence.
Some states and Washington, DC, operate their own marketplaces, and Healthcare.gov can direct you there. States with their own sites are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. , Washington. If you live in another state or territory, you can register directly by creating an account through Healthcare.gov.
In addition, Healthcare.gov offers more resources to help you prepare for enrollment, including a checklist to help you find the materials you need and a list of steps to estimate your current income. There are no income limits for ACA insurance, but people with lower incomes may be eligible for cheaper coverage.
For more information, check out how you can use your health insurance to get a gym membership.
