It’s time to apply for ACA health insurance. Here’s how it works
The open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance has officially begun, so if you want to finally get coverage or change what you have now, it’s time to put a plan together and put it into action .
That’s right, Thanksgiving travel plans aren’t the only thing on your to-do list this month. As November approaches, the annual open enrollment period for ACA health insurance, also known to many as “Obamacare,” has begun, during which anyone interested can sign up for a new plan.
Using data collected in 2023 and early 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services found in March that more than 45 million people were insured through the ACA. Although about half of Americans still get coverage through their jobsThat’s still a substantial portion of the U.S. population and the highest ACA enrollment rate ever recorded. If you’re interested in it too, read on for the details you need to know.
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When is the enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act 2024?
The current open enrollment period began on November 1, 2024 and will last until January 15, 2025. During this period, anyone eligible for ACA coverage can enroll in a new plan or change their current plan.
All changes made up to and including December 15, 2024 will mean that your new insurance will take effect on January 1, 2025. Everything done between December 16, 2024 and the end of the registration period will take effect on February 1. , 2025.
Who is eligible for Affordable Care Act health insurance?
Healthcare.gov lists three requirements that people must meet to qualify for health insurance through the marketplace. To start, you must currently live in the US and meet the IRS standard for tax purposes in the country. Second, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, or otherwise a non-citizen lawfully present in the country. Finally, you should not be in jail right now.
Please note that if you currently have Medicare coverage, you cannot also sign up for Marketplace health or dental insurance.
How do I sign up for Affordable Care Act health insurance?
During this open enrollment period, or if you have a qualifying life event at any other time of year, you can visit an official ACA online Marketplace website to create an account and start the process. The official page for this at Healthcare.gov features a drop-down menu that allows you to choose which state or territory you live in.
Some states and Washington, DCrunning your own marketplace, and Healthcare.gov will lead you there. Here are the states with their own sites: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia And Washington. If you live in another state or territory, you can create an account and register directly Healthcare.gov.
Beyond that point, Healthcare.gov provides more resources to help you prepare for your enrollment, including checklist to help you determine what materials you need and a list of steps to help you estimate your current income. There is no income limit for ACA insurance, but some lower-income individuals may qualify for cheaper coverage.
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