The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – commonly referred to as Obamacare – has instituted new rules regarding health insurance. Under its provisions, those not receiving coverage through work or government programs like Medicare must purchase it themselves.
People can sign up for Affordable Care Act-compliant plans during an open enrollment period each year or during special periods based on life events or estimated household income.
November 1 – January 15
The open enrollment period occurs annually and allows individuals to enroll, modify or cancel health insurance coverage purchased on the market or through government programs like Medicare.
Nevada Health Link Certified Enrollment Assistors are on hand throughout the community to offer free in-person guidance. These Certified Enrollment Assistors can assist consumers in shopping for Affordable Care Act-compliant health and dental plans that best suit their budgets and needs, provide eligibility reviews, financial assistance or plan comparison services.
Individuals purchasing individual health insurance through the Marketplace (ACA or Obamacare), open enrollment begins November 1 and typically ends on December 15, although states with fully state-run exchanges may extend this deadline further. Coverage begins January 1. However, for those enrolling through employer sponsored health plans or Medicare their effective date for new or modified enrollment will differ accordingly.
February 1 – March 31
People searching for comprehensive health coverage with cost assistance should know that there are just a few days remaining to enroll in Obamacare through the ACA Marketplace. New York State of Health’s online marketplace enables individuals, families, and small businesses to shop for quality affordable plans that meet ACA requirements while also helping compare costs and estimate expenses as well as determine eligibility for financial assistance with premium payments or out-of-pocket medical expenses.
At this time, the online marketplace features thousands of Certified Enrollment Assistors throughout each state to offer one-on-one support to consumers as they complete applications and determine eligibility for financial assistance. This offers those who missed November 1 – January 15’s open enrollment period the chance to enroll for health coverage for 2023; those experiencing life changes or certain special life events can enroll through special enrollment periods tied directly to their annual household incomes.
April 15 – June 30
As open enrollment closes this Sunday on both federal exchange and most state-based marketplaces, now is the time to plan for next year. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late – those experiencing certain life changes can apply for special enrollment periods and enroll or make changes outside the traditional open enrollment window.
New York stands out as an innovative marketplace state, providing its residents with access to affordable healthcare coverage throughout the year through New York State of Health and year-round enrollment for Medicaid and Connecticut Basic Health Plan coverage.
And more Americans than ever are now eligible for help with premiums and cost-sharing thanks to Congress’ extension of Obamacare subsidies, which helped reduce rates and eliminate copays for many low-income policyholders – potentially saving billions for both policyholders and the federal government alike.
July 1 – September 15
No special enrollment periods exist each year to enable people to enroll in marketplace coverage, although if you experience a qualifying life event (e.g. getting married or losing job-based health coverage) it may be possible to enroll outside open enrollment.
ACA marketplaces provide millions of Americans with affordable health insurance options at reasonable costs. But while these marketplaces have proven incredibly popular, many consumers remain unaware of their rules and deadlines – only 1 out of every 4 potential marketplace customers in a 2018 survey knew about the open enrollment period requirements and timeline.
Consumers can also gain access to subsidized marketplace plans via New York State of Health, which offers low-cost or no-premium coverage for families and individuals not eligible for employer or individual market plans. New York State of Health’s open enrollment period runs until December 15.
