The Affordable Care Act’s (Obama Care) open enrollment period is when consumers (and small businesses) can purchase health insurance plans that include new health reform provisions and required benefits.  The first open enrollment for 2014 starts from October 1, 2013 (Tuesday to March 31, 2014.

For future years, after 2015 and beyond, the expected open enrollment for Affordable Care Act/Obama Care is from October 15 to December 7.  Consumers my also qualify for Special Enrollment Periods outside of Open Enrollment if they experience certain events (moving to new state, divorce, marriage, having a baby, loss of income).

Affordable Care Act’s Open Enrollment Period will align with Medicare’s Open Period which is traditionally from October 15 to December 7 of each year.