Open enrollment is the time when people can shop for insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges and either renew their old plan or sign up for a new one. Some who miss the open enrollment period will not be able to sign up for health insurance in 2018.

NOTE: Open enrollment does not affect Medicaid, Medicare or job-based insurance plans. If you are a client at Health Care for the Homeless and have Medicaid or Medicare, or are an employee and have coverage through our insurance plan, your coverage will not be affected and you do not need to re-enroll.

Here’s what you need to know about open enrollment:

The ACA is law, and good plans are offered through the exchange.

Congress has not repealed or replaced the ACA and all its requirements are still in effect. State-run exchanges are offering plans to consumers, and penalties may apply to people who do not apply for health insurance.

The deadline to sign up is December 15.

We can’t say this enough: Open enrollment is November 1–December 15. This year is the shortest open enrollment period ever, and if you miss the deadline and aren’t eligible for Medicaid or job-based plans, then you’ll have to go without insurance for a whole year. Protect yourself and your health by signing up now.   

Plans are more affordable then you think.

Last year, 8 out of 10 people who signed up for coverage qualified for financial assistance, which meant they could find premiums between $50 and $100 per month. Shop the marketplace to see what’s available to you.

Shopping the market place is easy—and everyone should do it.

It only takes a few minutes and you can even do it on your smart phone. Visit marylandhealthconnection.gov to shop for plans now.

If you don’t have health insurance, you should apply through the exchange. If you signed up for the exchange last year, you should still shop the exchange—there might be better plans available to you that could save you money.

Help is available.

If you need assistance finding a plan that’s right for you, professionals in the area are available and will help free of charge.

Find free in-person help here or find an enrollment event near you here.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get health insurance and risk paying a penalty. Sign up now.

Already signed up and interested in helping spread the word?

Many people don't know that open enrollment starts November 1. Plenty of groups are taking action to spread the word—you can help, too by…

• Sharing on social media
• Handing out materials in the community

Resources

• Beat the rush HCAM flyer – English
• Beat the rush HCAM flyer – Spanish
• Maryland open enrollment Indivisible flyer
• How to enroll fact sheet
• Get Covered America poster
• Get Covered America postcard
• Get Covered America 5 facts