Question: Why is there an Open Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act?
Answer: The Affordable Care Act offers a three month window for people to shop for health insurance. This period is also known as Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period. The main reason for the open enrollment is to encourage people to get insured and not wait until they are sick to buy insurance. If you miss the open enrollment period, you must wait until next year to get health insurance coverage, unless one experience a Qualifying Life Events where they get health insurance coverage during Special Enrollment Period.
People who qualify for Medicaid can sign up for health insurance year round. In states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, anyone earning less than 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) is eligible for Medicaid.