Understanding ACA Open Enrollment

Each year, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace holds an Open Enrollment Period when most people can enroll in or change individual and family health plans for the coming year. Dates can change, so it's worth confirming the current window before you plan.

If you miss Open Enrollment, you generally can't enroll in a Marketplace plan unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. That's why reviewing your options during Open Enrollment is the simplest path for most people.

During Open Enrollment you can compare plans available in your county, check whether your doctors and prescriptions are covered, and see whether you may qualify for financial assistance. A consultation can help you weigh the trade-offs between premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and networks.