In most states, open enrollment has closed for 2023 health plans. After open enrollment ends, you can't purchase a health insurance plan through DC Health Link unless you qualify for an exception, called a "special enrollment period" (SEP).
Do You Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?
To get a SEP, you must show proof of what the Affordable Care Act calls a "qualifying life event." These events make you eligible for health insurance outside of open enrollment. They include:
- moving to a new state
- getting pregnant
- having a baby or adopting a child
- getting married or divorced
- leaving a job and losing your insurance
- losing coverage under your parents’ plan
- losing coverage because someone on your plan has died
- losing other types of health insurance
- losing coverage due to a declined payment through a credit card or debit card auto-payment arrangement
- gaining status as a member of an Indian tribe
- becoming an American citizen, or
- getting out of prison.
You may also qualify for a special enrollment period if you lose significant income or become eligible for new premium subsidies.
If you qualify for a SEP, you usually have 60 days to choose a new insurance plan.
To learn more, visit DC Health Link.
Enrollment Never Closes for Medicaid
States administer Medicaid for low-income families and individuals, people with disabilities, and some other adults. You can apply for Medicaid through the District of Columbia's health insurance marketplace or by contacting the District of Columbia’s Medicaid office.
You Can Buy Insurance Directly From an Insurance Company or Agent at Any Time
If you buy coverage outside the health insurance marketplace, your coverage will take effect soon after you pay your first premium, but you won’t qualify for the premium subsidies available through your state’s health insurance exchange.
Find an agent. To find help in your area, go to Find Local Help at HealthCare.gov. There, you enter your city and state or zip code to get a list of insurance agents and brokers near you.
Talk to a licensed broker. To directly connect with a the District of Columbia insurance broker who can help you evaluate insurance plans and choose a plan that's appropriate for your situation, call 800-943-6832. (Please note that we receive advertising income from the licensed brokers who offer their services through this telephone number.)
You Can Buy a Health Plan From DC Health Link During the Next Open Enrollment Period
the District of Columbia Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) open enrollment for 2024 begins on November 1, 2023.