When can you get health insurance?
When Can You Get Health Insurance?
Knowing when you can get health insurance is crucial to securing the right coverage and avoiding penalties. The main window for signing up for health insurance is during the Open Enrollment Period. However, certain life events can also qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. Let’s break down the key dates and conditions for enrolling in health coverage.
Open Enrollment Period for 2025 Health Plans
The Open Enrollment Period is the primary time each year when anyone can enroll in or change their health insurance plan through the Healthcare Marketplace. For 2025 coverage, these are the important dates:
- November 1, 2024: Open Enrollment begins. This is the first day you can sign up, renew, or change your health plan for 2025.
- December 15, 2024: Last day to enroll for coverage that starts on January 1, 2025. To ensure your coverage is active from the start of the new year, you must enroll or make changes by this date and pay your first premium.
- January 1, 2025: Coverage begins for those who enrolled or made changes by December 15 and have paid their first premium.
- January 15, 2025: Open Enrollment officially ends. This is the final day to sign up or change Marketplace health plans for 2025.
- February 1, 2025: Coverage begins for those who enroll between December 16 and January 15 and complete their premium payment.
If you miss Open Enrollment, you won’t be able to get Marketplace coverage for 2025 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
A Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in or change your health insurance plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period if you experience certain qualifying life events. Common qualifying events include:
- Loss of health coverage: Losing job-based insurance, Medicaid, or CHIP eligibility can make you eligible.
- Household changes: Events such as marriage, divorce, having a baby, or adopting a child qualify.
- Residence changes: Moving to a new zip code or county, especially if it affects your insurance options, may allow for an SEP.
- Income changes: Changes in your income that impact your eligibility for subsidies or Medicaid/CHIP may also qualify.
You typically have 60 days after a qualifying event to apply for coverage under a Special Enrollment Period.
Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment
Unlike Marketplace plans, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) allow you to apply and enroll at any time throughout the year. If you qualify for either program based on your income, you won’t need to wait for Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period.
Key Takeaways
- Apply during Open Enrollment: November 1 to January 15 is the primary time to get health insurance for the upcoming year.
- Enroll early for January 1 coverage: Sign up by December 15 to ensure coverage starts on the first day of the new year.
- Qualify for SEP after life changes: Events like marriage, birth, or loss of previous health coverage can trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
- Medicaid and CHIP: These programs are open for enrollment year-round if you qualify based on income.
Understanding these enrollment windows helps you avoid lapses in coverage and take advantage of available subsidies. Whether you're looking for Marketplace insurance, Medicaid, or CHIP, knowing when you can enroll ensures you and your family have the coverage you need.
Stay informed and plan ahead to ensure you're covered for 2025! If you need help navigating your Health Insurance needs, Aura Insure is here to assist you in choosing the right plan.
