Marketplace Enrollment Periods

Will people in hurricane- or wildfire-affected areas have more time to sign up for 2025 coverage?

Yes, although the extension is not automatic. In HealthCare.gov states, you must apply for the extra time using an Exceptional Circumstances special enrollment period (SEP). You can apply for this SEP by calling the federal Marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596. You will have to attest to residing in — or moving from — areas affected by a disaster event in 2024. Affected areas are those designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as eligible to receive “individual assistance” or “public assistance.” This Exceptional Circumstances SEP could also apply in other areas if they are affected by a disaster before the end of Open Enrollment.

Follow this link to FEMA-designated disaster areas for more information on counties eligible to receive FEMA assistance.

State-based Marketplaces can also provide extra time to enroll for people affected by disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires. Contact your State-based Marketplace for more information. If you are unsure if you reside in a State-based Marketplace or a Marketplace that 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.

While we have made every effort to provide accurate information in these FAQs, people should contact the health insurance Marketplace or Medicaid agency in their state for guidance on their specific circumstances.

KFF Headquarters: 185 Berry St., Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94107 | Phone 650-854-9400
Washington Offices and Barbara Jordan Conference Center: 1330 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 | Phone 202-347-5270

www.kff.org | Email Alerts: kff.org/email | facebook.com/KFF | twitter.com/kff

The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news, KFF is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.