Frequently-asked questions by tag
Should I let my individual health insurance plan automatically renew?
September 11, 2025 – 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…
Can I get new coverage effective the month after my employer-sponsored coverage ends or do I have to take COBRA?
July 31, 2025 – You do not have to continue your plan with COBRA unless you want to. You qualify for a special enrollment period if your…
What are the deadlines for the ACA’s open enrollment period?
June 26, 2025 – A list of the open enrollment deadlines for enrollment in 2025 ACA-compliant health insurance in every state. Open enrollment runs from…
My health insurance company is leaving my market. What can I do?
May 9, 2025 – If your health insurance company is exiting the market in your area at the end of the year, rest assured that you’ll continue to have…
I was laid off and don’t have any income. What are my health insurance coverage options?
January 13, 2025 – Loss of employer-sponsored insurance because you were laid off counts as a qualifying event, and special enrollment continues for 60 days…
Is Social Security considered income when I’m enrolling in a plan through the exchange?
January 3, 2025 – Social Security income is included in the calculation to determine your subsidy…
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.…
If I don’t enroll in a plan by the open enrollment deadline, what are my options?
October 16, 2024 – 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…
If I enroll in the exchange, will that coverage take effect immediately?
September 9, 2024 – If you enroll through your marketplace your coverage effective date mostly depends on whether you're enrolling during open enrollment or a…
I purchased health insurance under the Affordable Care Act in Texas, but I have moved to Colorado. How do I transfer my coverage?
August 26, 2024 – 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…
Why do I have to provide my Social Security number to enroll in health insurance through the exchange?
February 14, 2024 – Your health insurance marketplace will ask you to provide your Social Security number so it can confirm that you’re lawfully present in…
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 let my health plan auto-renew for January, am I stuck with it for the rest of the year?
February 5, 2024 – 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…
Does the Affordable Care Act make it easier to get individual health insurance?
January 11, 2024 – It's easier to get individual health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, but consumers in the individual market need to be aware that…
Who can help if I have a problem with my ACA-compliant coverage or exchange enrollment?
January 8, 2024 – 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 my income is less than expected this year, I might be eligible for Medicaid. What can I do to cover my bases?
November 13, 2023 – Income volatility and its impact on subsidy eligibility have been addressed by various provisions of the ACA and IRS regulations. But since…
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…