What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment, or the Open Enrollment Period, is the annual window in which any eligible person can enroll in an Obamacare (ACA) Marketplace health plan or change the plan they already have.
Outside that window, you can normally only enroll if you have a Special Enrollment Period due to a qualifying life event. The exception is Medicaid and CHIP, which can be applied for year-round if you meet your state's income requirements.
Where do you enroll in Florida and Texas?
In Florida and Texas, official enrollment is done through HealthCare.gov, the federal Marketplace. A certified agent can support you in Spanish throughout the process, and the plan price is the same as you would see directly on the Marketplace.
What are the dates?
The exact dates are set by the federal government each year and may change from one cycle to the next. In recent years enrollment opened on November 1, with a deadline in mid-December to have coverage starting January 1.
Always confirm the current calendar on HealthCare.gov or with an advisor before planning your enrollment.
See the key dates summaryWhat to prepare before enrolling
- ZIP code and age of each person you want to cover.
- Estimated annual household income and who files taxes with you.
- List of your doctors, clinics and medications, to verify they are in the plan's network.
- Your budget: look at the total cost, not just the monthly premium (deductible, copays and out-of-pocket maximum).
If you already have a plan
Many plans renew automatically, but it's worth comparing options every year. Premiums, medical networks, drug lists and subsidies can change, and you might find a better alternative.
A certified agent can compare the plans in your ZIP code at no cost to you.
Notice: This article is informational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Eligibility, plan availability and subsidies depend on your information, your state of residence and current Marketplace rules. Marseguros USA is not a government agency.
