For millions of Americans who buy their own health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, the end of the year brings a day of reckoning: It’s time to compare benefits and prices, and consider changing to a new plan, or enroll for the first time.
Open enrollment starts Wednesday for the ACA’s federal and state exchanges. Consumers can go online, call, or seek help from a broker or other assister to learn their 2024 coverage options, calculate their potential subsidies, or change plans.
In most states, open enrollment lasts through Jan. 15, although some states have different time periods. California’s, for example, is longer, open until Jan. 31, but Idaho’s runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15. In most states enrollment must occur by Dec. 15 to get coverage that begins Jan. 1.
Health policy experts and brokers recommend all ACA policyholders at least look at next year’s options, because prices — and the doctors and hospitals in plans’ networks — may have changed. Here’s what else you need to know.
People bumped from Medicaid may be eligible, and could make it another record year for signups
ACA plans are now well entrenched — an estimated 16.3 million people signed up during open enrollment last year. This year may see even larger numbers. Enhanced subsidies first approved during the height of the COVID pandemic remain available, and some states have boosted financial help in other ways.
In addition, millions of people nationwide are losing Medicaid coverage as states reassess their eligibility for the first time since early in the pandemic. If you’re one of those ousted, be aware you could be eligible for an ACA…
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