Enrollment Periods and Eligibility

ACA Enrollment Periods: When You Can Sign Up

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

• Dates: November 1 to January 15 each year (be sure to check your state’s specific rules about OEP)
• Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to enroll in, renew, or change their ACA Marketplace plan
• Why it matters: If you miss this window, you may not be able to get coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

You may qualify for a SEP if you experience a major life event, such as:

• Losing employer coverage
• Getting married or divorced
• Having a baby or adopting a child
• Moving to a new ZIP code or state
• Gaining or losing eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP

Time limit: You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll

ACA Subsidies: Making Coverage Affordable

Premium Tax Credits

• Lower your monthly premium based on your income and household size
• Available for incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Can be applied upfront or claimed later when you file taxes

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)

• Lower your deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
• Only available with Silver plans
• Available for incomes between 100% and 250% of the FPL

Example: A single person earning $30,000/year may qualify for:

• A premium tax credit that reduces their monthly premium by hundreds
• CSRs that lower their deductible from $5,000 to $1,000

Why Enrolling on Time Matters

• Avoid coverage gaps (being uninsured for months)
• Maximize savings through subsidies
• Protect your health and finances from unexpected medical bills
• Lock in coverage for the full year (Jan 1 – Dec 31)

Get Help Enrolling

Connecting with a licensed agent can help you:

• Get one-on-one guidance
• Ask questions about coverage, subsidies, and enrollment