When to Enroll in ACA Health Insurance: Before or After Starting a New Job?
If you’re currently uninsured and starting a new job in January, you may be wondering when the best time to enroll in ACA health insurance is. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides health insurance to millions of Americans, and there are open enrollment periods each year when you can sign up for a plan.
Open Enrollment for 2024 ACA Health Insurance
For 2024, the open enrollment period runs from November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024. During this time, you can enroll in a health insurance plan that will start on January 1, 2024.
If you’re starting a new job in January, you have a few options for enrolling in ACA health insurance:
1. Enroll during open enrollment
This is the simplest option, and it ensures that you’ll have health insurance coverage starting on January 1st. However, if your new job offers health insurance, and your employer has over 50 full time employees, you may have to pay back the premium assistance you have received through the federal marketplace. You may also have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you don’t enroll in health insurance by the deadline. There are exceptions to the late enrollment penalty. If you qualify for an exception, you may not have to pay a penalty even if you enroll after the deadline.
2. Enroll through your employer when you start your job
If your new job offers health insurance, you can enroll in the plan when you start your job. This is a good option if you’re sure that you’ll be starting your job on January 1st and that you’ll be eligible for the plan. However, if there is any delay in starting your job, or if you’re not sure if you’ll be eligible for the plan, it’s best to enroll during open enrollment.
3. Wait until after you start your job to enroll
If you’re not sure if your new job will offer health insurance, or if you’re not sure when you’ll be starting your job, you can wait until after you start your job to enroll in ACA health insurance. However, you should be aware that you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you don’t enroll by the deadline.
Ultimately, the best decision for you will depend on your individual circumstances. If you’re unsure what the best option is for you, you can speak with a licensed health insurance agent for further assistance.
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