Skip to main content

A simple guide to enrollment

When does Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment end? How do I sign up for a plan? I had a big life change — can I update my plan? We can answer your questions and help you prepare.

Can I get coverage after Open Enrollment?


Had a big life change or one coming up? You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.* That means you can change your plan or sign up for a new plan outside the Open Enrollment Period.

 

When your household changes, you have options


You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if, in the past 60 days, you or someone in your home...

Got married
If you choose a plan by the last day of the month, your coverage can start the first day of the next month.


Had a baby, adopted a child or placed a child for foster care
Your plan can start right away, even if you enroll up to 60 days after the event.

Got divorced or legally separated and lost health insurance

Passed away
A deceased family member may have covered you on their plan. If so, you can sign up for a new plan outside the Open Enrollment Period.

Moving? You may be able to take your coverage with you.


You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if…

You move to:

  • A new home in a new ZIP code or county
  • The U.S. from a foreign country or U.S. territory

You move to or from:
  • The area where you go to school, if you're a student
  • The area where you live and work, if you're a seasonal worker
  • Shelter or other temporary housing

What doesn’t qualify?
  • Moving for medical treatment
  • Staying somewhere for vacation

Keep in mind
  • You need to show proof that you had qualifying health coverage for one or more days during the 60 days before your move.
  • You don't need to show proof if you’re moving from a foreign country or U.S. territory.

Lost your plan in the last 60 days? Or expect to lose it in the next 60 days?


You may be able to sign up for a new plan outside the Open Enrollment Period.

Losing coverage through a family member


Examples:


  • You’re turning 26 and you can’t be on your parent’s plan* anymore.
  • A family member who covered you loses their plan or passes away.
  • You’re no longer a dependent.

Losing job-based coverage


If you lose your insurance through work, you can enroll in a new plan. You can get coverage even if you quit the job or were let go.

Losing individual health coverage


Examples:

 

  • Your individual plan or Marketplace plan is discontinued.
  • You lose eligibility for a student health plan.
  • You’re no longer in the plan’s service area.
  • Your plan is ending in the middle of the calendar year, and you don’t renew it.
  • Your household income went down, and you qualify for Marketplace plan savings.

Losing Medicaid coverage
 

You may be able to get a premium tax credit, or subsidy. This can greatly lower your monthly premium or even give you a $0 premium. Exclusions and limitations apply. To learn more, visit our Medicaid plan resources.

Other special enrollment opportunities


You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you're...
 
  • Becoming a U.S. citizen
  • Leaving incarceration
  • Gaining or becoming a dependent due to a court order
  • Facing a serious medical condition, natural disaster or state or federal emergency that kept you from enrolling on time
  • Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe or status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder
  • Starting or ending service as an AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA or NCCC member

4 steps to help you enroll

Now’s the time to explore plans, check if your doctors are in network, apply for subsidies and enroll. Let’s get started.

1. Gather some info

Have your Social Security number, tax return/income info and current health plan details handy. You need this to apply for a plan and check if you qualify for subsidies.

2. Start the application

Enter your income and household info to check the plans and subsidies you’re eligible for. Your income may qualify you for premium discounts and savings on out-of-pocket costs.

3. Choose a plan

Now’s the time to compare. Be sure to review each plan’s premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs and covered benefits. Ready for the next step? Submit your application.

4. Pay your bill

Application done? Great! You’re almost there. Next, make your payment. It’s your #1 thing to do to activate your plan and access all your member benefits.

 

Questions? We’re here to help.

 

Get in touch with us

 

Our licensed agents can answer your questions and help you choose the right plan for your needs.

Contact us

 
 

Legal notices

Health plans are offered or underwritten or administered by Aetna Health of California Inc., Aetna Health Inc. (Florida), Aetna Health Inc. (Georgia), Aetna Life Insurance Company, Aetna Health of Utah Inc., Aetna Health Inc. (Pennsylvania), or Aetna Health Inc. (Texas) (Aetna). Aetna and MinuteClinic, LLC (which either operates or provides certain management support services to MinuteClinic-branded walk-in clinics) are part of the CVS Health® family of companies.
 
Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna does not provide care or guarantee access to health services. Information is accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change.

Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.