The Affordable Care Act, Open Enrollment, and more
Everyone deserves access to affordable, quality health care coverage. Americans of any income level should have access to Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as Individual and Family Plans (IFP). This landmark health reform legislation, often called Obamacare, was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010.
Because the law is designed to provide access to healthcare coverage for all citizens regardless of income, ACA includes premium subsidies and cost-sharing subsidies designed to reduce the costs of coverage for Americans who qualify.
When is ACA Individual & Family Plans open enrollment?
Open Enrollment for ACA plans starts November 1, 2024 and ends January 15, 2025. For your plan to be effective January 1, 2025, enroll by December 12, 2024. However, there are special circumstances that allow you to enroll in or change ACA health plans outside the yearly open enrollment period. When you have one of these special circumstances, you can enroll during what is known as a Special Enrollment Period, which is covered below.
How do I enroll in an ACA plan?
There are a number of ways to sign up for ACA. Here’s how to get started:
- Enroll with Blue KC at www.bluekcforyou.com/find-a-plan/
- Enroll on the Marketplace at healthcare.gov.
- Use the “Find Local Help” tool to locate in-person assistance (free to use) in your area with a navigator, agent, or broker.
- Enroll by phone by contacting the Marketplace Call Center at 800-318-2596.
Who qualifies for an ACA plan?
ACA gives most uninsured people in the U.S. access to health insurance if they are U.S. citizens who live in the country, are not incarcerated, and are not covered by Medicare. People at all income levels can sign up for an ACA plan. ACA is designed to make healthcare affordable for all regardless of income—those who earn limited income can qualify for financial assistance that will reduce their health insurance and healthcare costs.
Who qualifies for reduced health insurance rates?
If you have a household income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL), you may qualify for a premium tax credit or special subsidies that will reduce health insurance costs. Review the FPLs.
What is an ACA Special Enrollment Period?
Sometimes life throws you a curve. There can be changes, often unexpected, that will impact your personal healthcare insurance. ACA has included a few circumstances that qualify for a special enrollment outside of the standard open enrollment period.
- Life changing events – Certain life events, like losing your health coverage, turning 26 years old, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, may qualify you to enroll outside the yearly ACA Open Enrollment period. Learn more about Blue KC’s Special Enrollment Period here.
- Recent loss of Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – If you recently lost (or will soon lose) your Medicaid or CHIP coverage because your income is too high or other changes that make you ineligible, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period.
- New special enrollment based on income – Individuals, families and children with certain incomes may qualify for health insurance through ACA (as well as Medicaid and CHIP). If eligible based on estimated household income, you can apply any time.
Not sure if these circumstances apply to your situation? Find out at HealthCare.gov Special Enrollment Periods.
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