In general, you can only enroll in Marketplace health plan coverage during the Open Enrollment period. For 2025 coverage, the Open Enrollment period in Healthcare.gov states begins November 1, 2024 and closes at the end of the day on January 15, 2025 (Pacific Time). If you plan to sign up, be sure to complete your application and select your plan before Open Enrollment ends. In HealthCare.gov states, individuals wanting their coverage to take effect on January 1, 2025 should sign up no later than midnight local time on December 18, 2024. If you sign up after December 18, your 2025 coverage will take effect on February 1, 2025. This deadline for a Jan. 1 coverage start was extended from the normal deadline of December 15 and only applies to the 2025 coverage year. Once the Open Enrollment period is over, most individuals and families will not be able to enroll in Marketplace health plans until the next Open Enrollment period. However, if you experience certain changes in circumstances during the year, you will have an opportunity to enroll in Marketplace Health plans outside of the Open Enrollment Period—this opportunity is called a special enrollment period. If you sign up for a Marketplace plan during a special enrollment period, your coverage will take effect on the first day of the following month, even if you made your selection after the 15th of the month. This rule was formerly applicable to only Healthcare.gov enrollees, but starting in 2025 it will be extended to State-based Marketplace enrollees. American Indians and Alaska Natives can also enroll in Marketplace coverage throughout the year, not just during Open Enrollment.

In addition, people who are eligible for premium tax credits and with income up to 150% of the federal poverty level ($22,590 for a single adult or $38,730 for a family of 3) will be able to sign up throughout the year in HealthCare.gov states and in some State-based Marketplaces. If you reside in a State-based Marketplace, click here for the link that will take you to the website for your State-based Marketplace. If you are unsure if you reside in a State-based Marketplace or in a state where the Marketplace is offered on the federal platform (also known as a healthcare.gov state or a State-based Marketplace- Federal Platform), click here for more information.