Frequently-asked questions by category
What are the deadlines for the ACA’s open enrollment period?
February 5, 2026 – A list of the open enrollment deadlines for enrollment in 2026 ACA-compliant health insurance in every state. Open enrollment ended January…
I purchased health insurance under the Affordable Care Act in Texas, but I have moved to Colorado. How do I transfer my coverage?
February 2, 2026 – If you purchased ACA-compliant health insurance in Texas and you're moving to Colorado, you'll need to select a new Colorado plan rather…
Should I let my individual health insurance plan automatically renew?
January 22, 2026 – If you have a health plan in the individual market, on-exchange or off-exchange, you can probably just let it renew for the coming year…
What happens if I don’t buy ACA-compliant health insurance?
January 15, 2026 – If you don't purchase ACA-compliant health insurance, you could miss out on financial assistance in the form of premium subsidies, as well…
Can I buy Marketplace health insurance for someone else?
October 13, 2025 – You can generally buy Marketplace health insurance for certain other persons. The details vary, however, depending on whether you’ll also…
What happens if I don’t make my premium payment by the end of the grace period?
October 7, 2025 – Learn what happens if fail to pay your health insurance Marketplace premiums by the end of your grace period and whether you can enroll…
Why do I have to provide my Social Security number to enroll in health insurance through the exchange?
September 25, 2025 – Your health insurance marketplace will ask you to provide your Social Security number so it can confirm that you’re lawfully present in…
Who can help if I have a problem with my ACA-compliant coverage or exchange enrollment?
September 25, 2025 – Here's where you should look for help if have trouble enrolling through a health insurance marketplace – or if you have issues with your…
If I let my health plan auto-renew for January, am I stuck with it for the rest of the year?
September 25, 2025 – In most states, no, but you'll likely only have until January 15 to pick a new plan. After that, you'll need a qualifying event to make a…
If I’ve enrolled in a plan for the new year, can I change my mind and pick a different plan?
September 23, 2025 – You can make multiple plan selections during open enrollment, as long as you complete the final plan change by the end of open enrollment.…
If I enroll in the exchange, will that coverage take effect immediately?
September 23, 2025 – If you enroll through the Marketplace, your effective date mostly depends on when you're enrolling. Learn about the effective date for…
If I don’t enroll in a plan by the open enrollment deadline, what are my options?
September 22, 2025 – Your options for coverage are very limited if you don't enroll in a plan by the end of open enrollment in your state. The open enrollment…