Tag Archives: Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment

When is Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period?

Question: When is Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period?

Answer:  The Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period for 2016 starts from November 1, 2015 and ends on January 31, 2016.  If you want coverage starting from 2016, you need to apply for Affordable Care Act on December 15, 2015.  It takes about 2 weeks to process and enroll in Affordable Care Act.

Important Dates for Affordable Care Act (2016) – Open Enrollment

  • November 1, 2015: Open Enrollment started — first day you can enroll in a 2016 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2016.
  • December 15, 2015: Last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start January 1, 2016
  • January 1, 2016: 2016 coverage starts for those who enroll or change plans by December 15.
  • January 15, 2016: Last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start February 1, 2016
  • January 31, 2016: 2016 Open Enrollment ends. Enrollments or changes between January 16 and January 31 take effect March 1, 2016.

Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment

Affordable Care Act has both open enrollment and special enrollment period for getting health insurance.  During open enrollment, you can sign up for health care coverage if you meet the basic requirements.

The current Affordable Care Act open enrollment is from November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015.  It is only during this time, you can can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan in the marketplace.  In general, you can only receive government subsidies (tax credits) for policies that are purchased through the marketplace exchange.

Outside of the open enrollment period is called Special Enrollment Period.  (Anytime after February 15, 2015 to the next Open Enrollment period).

You only qualify for special enrollment if experience certain Qualifying Life Events.  Please note, you can apply for Medicaid or CHIP (Children Health Insurance Program) at any time of the year.

Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period

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.

Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Starts on October 1, 2013

Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama Care, will start open enrollment on October 1, 2013.  Most experts advise proceeding with caution as the new insurance system is untested and there is bound to have kinks and glitches in the beginning.  One expert quoted as saying, “Don’t wait.  But don’t hurry either.”

Affordable Care Act Marketplace Opens

Although the open enrollment starts on October 1, 2013, you can start planning and gather information to get ready for the open enrollment.  You will need

  • Social Security Numbers of all member in your household
  • Employer and income information for every member of your household who needs coverage
  • Policy numbers of any current health insurance (if available, not necessary)
  • A completed Employer Coverage Form detailing employment/employer information