District of Columbia Special Enrollment Rules for Obamacare

In most states, open enrollment has closed for 2020 health plans. After open enrollment ends, you won't be able to use DC Health Link to purchase a health insurance plan unless you qualify for an exception.

If you let the ACA deadline pass you by this year, here are some things to know.

You Can Still Enroll If You Qualify for a “Special Enrollment” Period

Certain life events make you eligible to sign up for health insurance outside of open enrolllment. The circumstances under which you may qualify for special enrollment include:

• moving to a new state
• 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
• gaining status as a member of an Indian tribe
• becoming an American citizen, or
• getting out of prison.

If you already have health insurance coverage through the marketplace, you may also qualify for a special enrollment period if you experience a change in income or household status that affects your eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions

To learn more, visit DC Health Link.

Enrollment Never Closes for Medicaid 

Medicaid is administered by states 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 of 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 2021 begins in the fall of 2020.