Frequently-asked questions by tag
I’m leaving my job – and will lose my insurance – the last day of this month. Can I get new coverage effective the next month after my employer-sponsored coverage ends or do I have to take COBRA?
March 29, 2024 – You do not have to continue your plan with COBRA unless you want to. You qualify for a special enrollment period if your…
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…
What are the deadlines for the ACA’s open enrollment period?
February 13, 2024 – A list of the open enrollment deadlines for enrollment in 2024 ACA-compliant health insurance in every state. Open enrollment ran from…
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…
If I enroll in the exchange, will that coverage take effect immediately?
January 11, 2024 – If you enroll through your marketplace your coverage effective date mostly depends on whether you're enrolling during open enrollment or a…
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…
Should I let my individual health insurance plan automatically renew?
January 7, 2024 – 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…
I purchased health insurance under the Affordable Care Act in Texas, but I have moved to Colorado. How do I transfer my coverage?
December 21, 2023 – 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…
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 don’t enroll in a plan by the open enrollment deadline, what are my options?
September 18, 2023 – 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…
My health insurance company is leaving my market. What can I do?
July 26, 2023 – 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…
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…
I was laid off and don’t have any income. What are my health insurance coverage options?
September 15, 2021 – 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?
July 19, 2021 – 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, or did he need to have purchased a plan during open enrollment?
January 5, 2021 – Aging out of your parent's coverage triggers a special enrollment period – as long as the coverage was minimum essential coverage.…