Health insurance enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans is not open year round. Instead, those who want coverage must enroll during their state’s specific Open Enrollment Period, which runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states. But some states use different open enrollment timelines, so it is a good idea to check the deadline for your state and mark it on your calendar.
The Open Enrollment Period is an annual opportunity to enroll in Obamacare coverage for the coming year. During this time, Americans who need to buy private, individual health insurance can shop for a plan that suits their needs and enroll in coverage. Other types of health insurance, like employer-sponsored plans and Medicare, have their own enrollment windows based on when you start a new job or when you meet specific eligibility criteria.
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Key Open Enrollment 2024 Dates
In the majority of states, open enrollment for Obamacare 2024 began on Nov. 1, 2023, and ended on Jan. 15, 2024. Mark this window on your calendar for enrolling in 2025 coverage, since enrollment opportunities can be limited at other times of the year.
- For coverage that starts January 1, the deadline for health insurance enrollment is December 15 of the previous year. For example, you must be enrolled by December 15, 2024 for coverage that begins January 1, 2025.
- For coverage that starts February 1, the deadline for health insurance enrollment is January 15. For example, you must be enrolled by January 15, 2025 for coverage that begins February 1, 2025.
While these deadlines apply to the majority of states, some states set different enrollment windows. These date ranges may change each year, so check the table below or with your state’s Department of Insurance for the most up-to-date enrollment information.
Enrollment for Obamacare in 2024 By State
In the 33 states that use the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, the 2024 Open Enrollment Period ran from Nov. 1, 2023 to Jan. 15, 2024. Coverage for 2025 will follow an Open Enrollment Period of Nov. 1, 2024 to Jan. 15, 2025.
States that run their own Marketplaces have the flexibility to choose different dates, so the Open Enrollment Period could begin earlier or end later. Check the chart below to learn when you can enroll in Obamacare in your state. Keep in mind that though the chart shows dates for 2024 coverage, your state will likely follow the same timeframe for 2025 coverage.
State | 2024 Open Enrollment Dates |
|---|---|
Alabama | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Alaska | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Arizona | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Arkansas | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
November 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 | |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
Delaware | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Florida | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Georgia | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Hawaii | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
October 15, 2023 to December 15, 2023 | |
Illinois | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Indiana | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Iowa | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Kansas | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
November 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 | |
Louisiana | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
November 1, 2023 to January 23, 2024 | |
Michigan | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
Mississippi | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Missouri | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Montana | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Nebraska | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
New Hampshire | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
North Carolina | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
North Dakota | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Ohio | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Oklahoma | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Oregon | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
South Carolina | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
South Dakota | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Tennessee | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Texas | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Utah | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
Virginia | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 | |
November 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 | |
West Virginia | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Wisconsin | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
Wyoming | November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024 |
How to Enroll During Open Enrollment
During your state’s Open Enrollment Period, eligible people can visit the federal Marketplace or their state-specific Marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan. You may also work with a trusted licensed health insurance agent to understand your plan options and enroll.
The Affordable Care Act created the Marketplace to help Americans without access to job-based coverage get major health insurance. However, even those with employer-sponsored health insurance may want to purchase a supplemental policy through the Marketplace to increase their benefits coverage, especially if their job-based insurance does not offer comprehensive coverage.
Eligibility
The criteria for enrollment in an ACA plan during open enrollment are:
- Must be an American citizen or national who resides in the United States
- Must not be incarcerated
- Must not be enrolled in Medicare
With the Marketplace, you can browse plans available in your area and compare costs and coverages.
Application Details
When you are ready to apply, be prepared to provide information about yourself and other household members. The Marketplace application may ask for details about:
- Your date of birth
- Your income and current employment
- Your existing health coverage, if applicable
- Whether you are applying for cost savings
If you need help with your application, you can contact the Marketplace directly or work with a licensed health insurance agent.
After submitting an application, you will receive more details about the insurer plan options available to you, as well as information about whether you are eligible for cost savings, such as a subsidized ACA plan based on income. From there, you may make your selection to complete your enrollment.
Coverage Details
Your health insurance coverage starts after you pay your first premium payment, so follow the insurer’s payment instructions to complete the enrollment process. Once enrollment is complete, insurers send new plan members information about the plan and a health insurance card, which contains the information your pharmacy and healthcare providers need to know about your plan.
However, some insurers may do this entirely digitally instead. This means you may not be sent a physical card, but instead can access a digital version of your health insurance “card” through a website or phone app. Other than being online, this digital card will function the same way as a physical copy.
How to Enroll Outside of Open Enrollment
Those who do not sign up during the annual Open Enrollment Period may need to wait for the next Open Enrollment Period to get coverage. However, if you experience a qualifying life event, you may be eligible to sign up outside of Open Enrollment by activating a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Qualifying life events are certain changes in your life that affect your health insurance coverage or needs, such as losing your job or getting married. These events trigger an SEP that allows you to enroll in coverage mid-year instead of waiting for the next Open Enrollment Period. Depending on the life event, the SEP could begin 60 days before the event or end 60 days after the event.
Qualifying Life Events and Special Enrollment Periods
A wide range of life changes could trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and allow you to enroll in a Marketplace plan mid-year. Some of these life events include:
- Changes in your household: Adding or losing a household member could trigger an SEP. These changes include getting married or divorced, having a baby, or experiencing the death of a household member. For example, if you get divorced and lose your ex-spouse’s health insurance plan, you may need your own coverage.
- Changes in employment or finances: Changing jobs, losing your job, having your hours cut, or getting a raise could trigger an SEP if it affects your existing health insurance. For example, you may switch jobs and lose your existing employer-sponsored health coverage, or getting a higher-paying job may make you ineligible for Medicaid.
- Changes in where you live: Health plan options vary based on location. Moving to a new ZIP code or county, including for school or seasonal work, could trigger an SEP if you had qualifying health coverage before the move. However, if you did not have qualifying health coverage prior to moving — such as if you were uninsured — moving to a new location would not necessarily trigger an SEP.
- Aging out of your parents’ health insurance: Young adults generally become ineligible for their parent’s health plans when they turn 26 years old, so for these individuals, turning 26 would trigger an SEP. Adults who are not eligible for their own job-based plan may want to buy a Marketplace plan during this time.
- Aging into Medicare: Older adults become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. After enrolling in Medicare, they may wish to cancel their Marketplace plan. You can do this at any time, but be sure to choose the termination date carefully to avoid a coverage gap.
- Changes in your current health insurance: This type of SEP could include situations such as your grandfathered health plan ending outside the Open Enrollment Period or your Marketplace plan being discontinued. The end of your COBRA continuation coverage would also qualify you for an SEP.
How to Enroll Outside of Open Enrollment and Without a Qualifying Life Event
You cannot sign up for a Marketplace plan without a qualifying life event if you miss the deadline for health insurance open enrollment. However, you may have other coverage options, such as short-term health insurance or Medicaid.
Short-term health insurance is also known as temporary health insurance. The coverage could last between three months and 364 days — just one day shy of a full year — in states where insurers are allowed to sell it. While these temporary plans could provide coverage while you wait for the next Open Enrollment Period, it is important to note the ACA does not regulate them. That means insurers can charge more or deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, and short-term plans do not have to cover ACA’s mandated essential benefits.
Another option to consider is Medicaid, a public health insurance program for low-income families and individuals. Eligibility requirements vary by state. Medicaid does not have a set enrollment period, so eligible people can enroll throughout the year. You can apply through the Marketplace or by contacting your state’s Medicaid agency.
Those who are not eligible for Medicaid, unable to buy a short-term plan, or do not have a qualifying life event must wait for the next Open Enrollment Period.