In most states, open enrollment has closed for 2022 health plans. After open enrollment ends, you purchase a health insurance plan through Healthcare.gov 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 to sign up for health insurance outside of open enrollment. They 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.
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 will usually have 60 days to choose a new insurance plan.
To learn more, visit Healthcare.gov.
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 Utah's health insurance marketplace or by contacting Utah’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 Utah 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 Healthcare.gov During the Next Open Enrollment Period
Utah Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) open enrollment for 2023 begins on November 1, 2022.