Updated: 2020-07-28 by
In most states, open enrollment has closed for 2021 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.
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 enrollment. The circumstances under which you may qualify for special enrollment 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.
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 2022 begins in the fall of 2021.
You may also be interested in:
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What District of Columbia Residents Need to Know About Obamacare for 2021
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How To Sign Up for Obamacare in the District of Columbia
Where to go in District of Columbia to get health plans under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and how to get help with the application process.
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How Much Does Obamacare Cost in the District of Columbia?
Learn the five factors that determine what residents of District of Columbia will pay for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act
About Shae Irving
Shae Irving has been writing for Legal Consumer since 2013, focusing on health care and family law. She was a senior legal editor and editorial project manager at Nolo, where she worked for twenty-two years. Shae has degrees in rhetoric and law from U.C. Berkeley. 
