The ACA Marketplace open enrollment period provides you with an annual opportunity to review your options, select or switch coverage and enroll or switch coverage. In certain instances, special enrollment periods or qualifying life events may allow for earlier sign up.

Individual and family marketplace plans that begin in 2025 open enrollment typically begins November 1 and ends on January 15, although specific dates vary according to state law.

December 1 – January 15

No matter where or how you purchase health insurance – whether through the marketplace, an employer (known as group health insurance), or government coverage – open enrollment allows you to select the plan that’s right for you. If you miss this period, your next chance won’t come until open enrollment period opens again, unless a special circumstance qualifies you for Special Enrollment Periods.

Open enrollment dates vary by state but generally start around November and end in January. If you’re purchasing individual marketplace coverage or Medicare Advantage Plans through an exchange or marketplace, this will be your one chance to review plans and select new coverage. Your employer usually decides when their employees’ open enrollment begins and ends.

CMS will continue its outreach efforts in anticipation of high consumer demand during Open Enrollment period, with an expansive and targeted national campaign. This involves investments in community-based organizations, local assistance programs and a nationwide network of certified application counselors that help consumers find plans that best suit them. CMS is also working closely with cultural marketing experts to offer targeted outreach efforts targeting groups that have experienced lower access to health insurance plans than expected.

Make sure to sign up for a marketplace health insurance plan by January 15 or you will automatically re-enroll in your existing plan, with coverage starting February 1. Qualifying life events allow enrollees or change plan during any other time throughout the year without incurring additional premium charges; but be mindful that switching during non-Open Enrollment periods could incur higher premium charges.

February 1 – March 31

Open enrollment is an opportunity to reassess your healthcare needs, whether they can be afforded or need adjustments based on current needs. For instance, parents whose children will soon begin college might consider including them on your plan so they can utilize student insurance coverage included with it. Conversely, those living with chronic conditions who require medication or regular doctor visits might benefit from switching plans with lower copay or deductible amounts in order to cover expenses more affordably.

Be mindful that open enrollment is your only chance to change your plan, unless there has been a qualifying life event triggering special enrollment periods; check with HR for eligibility before missing this deadline.

If your job offers group health insurance, an open enrollment period may also exist within your employer to enroll or make changes – in this instance, your company usually determines when this happens.

No one likes being given only limited time to buy health insurance, but this is in your and the health insurer’s best interests. Without healthy people committing early, health insurers would go bankrupt while their purpose is to cover eligible medical costs with financial help.

As well as Marketplace open enrollment, New York State of Health allows you to enroll in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and Essential Plans at any time throughout the year. In addition, community health centers may offer low-cost health programs covering doctor’s visits, hospital stays, screenings and prescription drugs for qualifying adults and children alike.

April 1 – June 30

If you miss the 2024 Open Enrollment Period, a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows for enrollment and changes to your plan at a later time. SEPs are activated by qualifying life events such as unemployment or changes in family size, typically lasting 60 days and available to individuals already signed up for marketplace coverage who experience certain life changes such as job loss or size change.

During Special Enrollment Period (SEP), if your existing health insurance policy is cancelled due to reasons other than SEP eligibility, you can register for new coverage immediately to avoid gaps in coverage and potentially receive financial assistance to lower monthly premium costs.

Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) invests in outreach and education efforts geared toward individuals who use the health insurance marketplace. Their efforts aim to ensure consumers know about their options and how best to utilize this space; such as announcing open enrollment as soon as it opens and reminding individuals to review their plan selections; it is also an ideal time for reviewing plans that include dental and vision coverage as well as whole-person wellness benefits.

Customers returning to the marketplace during open enrollment receive notices regarding their health insurance choices for 2024. It is advised they update their information, such as financial details, in order to confirm eligibility for financial assistance. Doing this may allow for lower-cost plans or recover some of any subsidies lost through income fluctuations.

For 2024, the NY State of Health’s focus is to enhance support to consumers. This means recommitting to high levels of navigator investments, using technology tools for community outreach and education purposes as well as increasing community outreach activities – all to ensure New Yorkers have access to affordable yet quality healthcare solutions.