Everything You Need to Know About Open Enrollment in 2024

If you’re looking for healthcare coverage from the Federal Marketplace, but were denied earlier in the year, you might have missed the Open Enrollment Period. The Open Enrollment Period is when you can add or adjust your coverage, and you’ll be able to access the ACA Federal Marketplace soon!

When exactly does Open Enrollment begin for 2025 healthcare coverage? How does Open Enrollment work? Who is eligible for a Federal Marketplace plan? Do supplemental insurance plans follow the Open Enrollment schedule? We’ve got all the answers you need to know and more.

Ready to sign up for a health plan today? Four out of five Americans qualify for a $0 health plan with tax subsidies through the Federal Marketplace, and our insurance agents are experts at finding the most affordable insurance with the best coverage. Call us every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (855) 968-5736 or use our quoting tool to discover your best plans.

When is Open Enrollment?

The Open Enrollment Period is when new or existing applicants with a Federal Marketplace plan can enroll in, renew, or change their health plan. The initial enrollment dates begin on November 1 and last until December 15 with coverage beginning January 1.

When does Open Enrollment end? Open Enrollment officially ends on January 15. However, coverage for those who sign up between December 16 and January 15 will begin on February 1.

Here are the Open Enrollment dates you should know:

November 1: Open Enrollment begins.
December 15: The last day to enroll in or change coverage for Marketplace plans starting January 1.
January 1: Coverage begins for those who enrolled before December 15 and paid their first premium.
January 15: Open Enrollment ends. After this date, you can enroll or change plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
February 1: Coverage begins for those who enrolled from December 16 to January 15 and paid their first premium.

State-Run Marketplace Open Enrollment Dates

While the Federal Marketplace is implemented in most states, a few run their healthcare marketplace with distinct Open Enrollment dates. Here are the states that have different enrollment dates:

California: Nov. 1 to Jan. 31
District of Columbia: Nov. 1 to Jan. 31
Idaho: Oct. 15 to Dec. 15
Massachusetts: Nov. 1 to Jan. 23
New Jersey: Nov. 1 to Jan. 31
New York: Nov. 16 to Jan. 31
Rhode Island: Nov. 1 to Jan. 31

The State-Run Marketplaces that follow the same schedule as the Federal Marketplace include Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington.

You can find a plan on the Federal Marketplace if you don’t see your state listed here. Do you need help finding the right insurance policy for you? Call one of our agents at (855) 968-5736. We’re available every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help you find the best coverage for your situation.

Marketplace Supplemental Insurance Open Enrollment Dates

Supplemental insurance, like dental, vision, and accident insurance, follows the same Open Enrollment schedule as the Marketplace. There are a few supplemental insurance plans through the Marketplace, and some plans might even include benefits like dental insurance in their policy.

Supplemental insurance isn’t a requirement. However, at Health Care Plan Quotes, we highly recommend you pick up a policy to help with unexpected expenses. Luckily, we can help point you to the most affordable supplemental policies you can grab.

If you have any questions about your insurance needs or don’t know if supplemental insurance is right for you, call our agents at (855) 968-5736. We can help recommend the best policies at the most affordable prices.

Special Enrollment Periods

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) are designated times outside Open Enrollment for Marketplace health insurance. To qualify for a SEP, you must experience a “significant life change.” Most SEPs will give you 60 days to apply or adjust your healthcare plan. Here are a few life events that qualify you for a SEP:

You’ve experienced a change in zip code.
Got married or divorced.
Lost coverage from a different plan.
Lose coverage through a family member.

Are you uncertain if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period? Contact one of our agents at (855) 968-5736, and we will help you determine if you can start receiving coverage now.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare is a special healthcare program designed to help those 65 or older find coverage for their needs. You’ll be eligible for a Medicare plan if you’ve paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years and turned 65.

There are several enrollment periods for Medicare which can vary depending on your circumstance. Here are the dates you should be aware of:

Initial Enrollment Period: Three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and three months after your 65th birthday — seven months total.
General Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31.
Special Enrollment Period: Six months after you experience a “significant life event.”

How to Find the Best Marketplace Plan for You

Healthcare Marketplaces can be tricky and complicated. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and provide you with the best plans for your needs. At Health Care Plan Quotes, our agents are experts at navigating the Federal Marketplace and strive to give you the best coverage and monthly premiums.

Call us at (855) 968-5736 to get connected with an agent today! Our offices are available every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t hesitate to call us for your health and supplemental insurance needs — our talented agents are ready to assist you with everything you need! This is the absolute best way to find a Federal Marketplace plan that works for your unique needs.

Conclusion

The initial Federal Marketplace Open Enrollment dates are from November 1 to December 15 every year. This is the only time to adjust, change, or add supplemental coverage to your insurance without experiencing a significant life change, so it’s a perfect time to review your coverage and see if it’s working for you.

Call one of our agents at (855) 968-5736 if you have any questions about your current coverage. We are here to help you find the coverage you need at the price you want. We’re available every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Are you unsure about the plans and tax subsidy you’ll receive? Our quoting tool provides an accurate estimate of your monthly premium on Marketplace plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Are the Open Enrollment Dates?

Open Enrollment lasts from November 1 to January 15. Here are the dates you need to know:

November 1: Open Enrollment begins.
December 15: The last day to enroll in or change coverage for Marketplace plans starting January 1.
January 1: Coverage begins for those who enrolled before December 15 and paid their first premium.
January 15: Open Enrollment ends. After this date, you can enroll or change plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
February 1: Coverage begins for those who enrolled from December 16 to January 15 and paid their first premium.

Can Open Enrollment Be Extended?

No, Open Enrollment is not typically extended unless there are extenuating circumstances. If your Marketplace is state-run, they will alert you to the changes made. However, if you missed your chance to change your plan through Open Enrollment, check to see if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

How Does Open Enrollment Work?

The Open Enrollment Period is a set time where you can add or change your coverage through the Federal Marketplace. You can either make the changes yourself on the HealthCare.gov website or work with an insurance agent to make those adjustments. We suggest working with an insurance agent as they will have expansive knowledge of the various options available to you.

Call (855) 968-5736 to be connected to an agent today.

Can I Enroll In a Marketplace Plan After Open Enrollment?

You can enroll in a Marketplace plan after Open Enrollment if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. SEPs are only available if you experienced a “significant life change.”