Frequently-asked questions by category

Can I buy coverage in the exchange that starts January 1 and stop paying for my COBRA insurance at that point?

January 16, 2025 – You can buy insurance in the exchange during open enrollment and drop your COBRA insurance. Once you’re enrolled in a plan for January,…

If someone decides to not buy health insurance and is injured in accident, what happens?

December 9, 2024 – When a patient arrives at the emergency room and is uninsured and unable to pay for his care, staff there are required by law only to…

My son is covered on my employer’s policy through July 31. Can he enroll in a new plan starting on August 1?

December 5, 2024 – Aging out of your parent's coverage triggers a special enrollment period – as long as the coverage was minimum essential coverage.…

My new job will offer health benefits. Can I drop my ACA coverage when those benefits start?

November 12, 2024 – When you enroll in an individual health insurance policy, you're on a month-to-month contract.  So you can cancel anytime, effective at…

We’re moving 50 miles, but staying in the same state. Is that a qualifying event?

August 26, 2024 – A move that doesn't take you out of state may still be a qualifying event. It depends on whether the health plans available in your new…

If I sign up for a Bronze plan during open enrollment, can I bump my coverage up to a higher level several months later if I find out that I need surgery?

February 5, 2024 – After open enrollment ends, you generally can't change your policy until the next open enrollment period, unless you experience a…

If I qualify for Medicaid, should I worry about the deadline for open enrollment?

December 23, 2021 – It's true that Medicaid and CHIP enrollment are year-round. But that doesn’t mean that you should disregard the end of open enrollment…