ACA Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

If you recently lost your health insurance due to a life event, such as a divorce, you may be wondering what your options are for getting covered. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers several ways to get health insurance, including through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Open Enrollment Period

The Health Insurance Marketplace is a place where you can compare and purchase health insurance plans from private insurers. Open enrollment for the Marketplace typically runs from November 1st to January 15th each year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden administration has opened up a Special Enrollment Period from February 15th to May 15th, 2023. This means that you can still enroll in a health insurance plan through the Marketplace even if you missed the regular open enrollment period.

Eligibility for ACA Plans

To be eligible for an ACA plan, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and not be currently incarcerated. You must also meet certain income requirements. For 2023, the income limits for ACA subsidies are as follows:

for individuals, up to $58,700;
for families of four, up to $120,000.

If your income is below these limits, you may be eligible for a premium tax credit, which can help you lower the cost of your monthly premiums.

Types of ACA Plans

There are several different types of ACA plans available, including:

Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
Silver plans have moderate monthly premiums and deductibles, and they offer more comprehensive coverage than bronze plans.
Gold plans have the highest monthly premiums but the lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
Platinum plans offer the most comprehensive coverage and the lowest out-of-pocket costs, but they also have the highest monthly premiums.

How to Apply for an ACA Plan

You can apply for an ACA plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov. You can also apply by phone or by mail. To apply, you will need to provide information about your income, household size, and health status.

If You Miss Open Enrollment

If you miss the open enrollment period, you may still be able to get health insurance through a special enrollment period. Special enrollment periods are available if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing your job or getting married. To learn more about special enrollment periods, visit the Healthcare.gov website.

Getting Help with Health Insurance

If you need help finding health insurance, you can contact a licensed health insurance agent or broker. Agents and brokers can help you compare plans and find the best coverage for your needs.