ACA Open Enrollment: Key Dates and Tips for Insurance Agents

Here are some important dates and tips for Insurance Agents during ACA Open Enrollment.

Hey there everyone! It’s that time of year again—ACA Open Enrollment is just around the corner. These are critical dates as you’re aware, and of course, a little reminder never hurts. So let’s break it down in a simple and straightforward way. Bookmark this page for a future reminder. We’ll keep it updated for you.

Important Dates for Open Enrollment

• November 1: Open Enrollment begins. This is the first day clients can start enrolling in or changing their health plans for the upcoming year.
  
  
• December 15: Deadline for coverage that starts on January 1. If your clients want their coverage to begin on the first day of the new year, they must enroll by this date.
  
  
• January 15: Open Enrollment ends in most states. This is the final day for clients to enroll in or change plans for coverage that starts on February 1.
  
  
• January 16: For the majority of states using the federal marketplace, this is the deadline to enroll for coverage.

State-Specific Deadlines

While 37 states follow the January 16 deadline for ACA Open Enrollment, some states like to be different. It’s important to these special cases in mind during ACA Open Enrollment:

• California: Open Enrollment extends to January 31.
• New York: Enrollments are allowed until March 31.
• Idaho: Ends earlier on December 15.
• Massachusetts: Ends on January 23.
• Rhode Island: Also extends to January 31.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

Special Enrollment Periods allow your clients to enroll in or change their health insurance plans outside the Open Enrollment period if they experience certain life events. Here are some of those qualifying events for the SEP:

• Marriage or Divorce: Getting married or finalizing a divorce that results in loss of coverage.
  
  
• Birth or Adoption: Having a baby, adopting a child, or placing a child for adoption or foster care.
  
  
• Loss of Coverage: Losing existing health coverage due to job loss, aging out of a parent's plan, or other qualifying reasons.
  
  
• Move: Changing your primary residence to a new area that offers different health plan options.
  
  
• Other Qualifying Events: Including changes in income, gaining citizenship, or leaving incarceration.

Year-Round Enrollment Options

Additionally, there are certain groups and coverage types who are eligible for year-round enrollment without the need for a Special Enrollment Period:

• Medicaid and CHIP: Individuals eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can enroll at any time.
  
  
• American Indians and Alaska Natives: These groups can enroll in or change plans once per month throughout the year.
  
  
• Other State-Specific Programs: Some states have additional programs like New York's Essential Plan or Minnesota's MinnesotaCare that offer year-round enrollment for eligible individuals.

Tips and Reminders

• Start Early: Encourage your clients to start thinking about their health insurance needs now. The earlier they begin, the less stressful the process will be.
  
  
• Educate Clients on Their Options: Many clients are unaware of the various plans and subsidies available to them. Take the time to explain the differences between Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans, and how income-based subsidies can make coverage more affordable.
  
  
• Highlight the Benefits of Early Enrollment: Enrolling early can help clients avoid the last-minute rush and ensure their coverage starts on time. Plus, it gives them more time to compare plans and make informed decisions.
  
  
• Use Technology: Utilize online tools and resources to help clients compare plans. The HealthCare.gov site allows clients to preview plans and prices before officially enrolling.
  
  
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with any changes or extensions in enrollment periods, as well as new regulations or updates that might affect your clients.

Additional Resources:

• How To Sell ACA Insurance
• How to Get Certified to Sell Health Insurance
• ACA Health Plan Opportunities