When is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment is the period within the year that people can enroll in a health insurance plan. Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace runs annually from early November to mid-December, with coverage starting in the New Year. In 2021, You can enroll in Marketplace health coverage February 15 through May 15 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency.
You can also still get 2021 health insurance these 2 ways:
- If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event like losing other coverage, getting married, moving, or having a baby, you can enroll any time.
- If you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can apply any time.
To apply for or re-enroll in your Marketplace coverage, visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325.
To help make the application process faster and easier, gather the information below before starting your application. HealthCare.gov notes that all information listed below is not needed if you’re applying for coverage without savings.
- Your name and date of birth
- Information about your household
- Home and/or mailing addresses
- Information about individuals applying for coverage
- Social Security numbers (SSNs)
- Information about the professional helping you apply (if any)
- Immigration document information
- Information on how you file your taxes
- Employer and income information
- Health coverage information
- Completed “Employer Coverage Tool”
- Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) notice
What are Special Enrollment Periods?
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) are times outside the Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.
Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you may have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. If you miss your Special Enrollment Period window, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to apply.
If eligible, you can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, also known as CHIP, any time of year, whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or not.
Who is eligible to enroll in the Marketplace Health Insurance?
To be eligible to enroll in Marketplace Health Insurance, you must live in the U.S., be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present), and not be incarcerated. If you have Medicare coverage, you’re not eligible to use the Marketplace to buy a health or dental plan.
What are the types of coverage?
Depending on income, you may qualify for an insurance plan with tax credits, Medicaid or CHIP. If you’re curious about your eligibility, check your income to see if you may qualify.
What do Marketplace Health Insurance plans cover?
All plans offered in the Marketplace cover these 10 essential health benefits:
- Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital)
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization (like surgery and overnight stays)
- Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
- Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (includes counseling and psychotherapy)
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills)
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- Pediatric services, including oral and vision care
Access to affordable and comprehensive health insurance is critical and can help you receive medical treatment at a lower cost than paying out of pocket. Benefits.gov wants you to be informed of your options for health coverage. If you don’t have health insurance, now is the time to consider enrolling in a plan. We encourage you to take our Benefit Finder questionnaire to find other benefits you may be eligible to receive.
