Article Summary –
ACA’s enrollment starts Nov. 1. Beware of scams and unofficial sites promising false benefits. Premiums may rise by 7% due to health costs. New rules address unauthorized enrollments. Short-term plans now limited to four months. Dreamers can now enroll. Consumers advised to shop and verify plan details.
It’s annual open enrollment time for the Affordable Care Act, starting November 1 through January 15 in most states. Current enrollees not updating info will be auto-reenrolled into their existing or a similar plan if their current one is unavailable.
Last year’s enrollment hit 21 million, a record number, but expect some changes this year.
Watch Out for Advertising Scams
Be wary of health plan ads promising large cash cards for groceries, gas, or rent. These scams are often used by brokers to enroll or switch plans without permission, as alleged in a Florida lawsuit.
Search carefully for coverage. Typing “Obamacare” or “cheap health insurance” may lead to sponsored sites that appear official but are not affiliated with state or federal ACA marketplaces. These sites often offer limited benefit plans, which do not qualify for federal subsidies, according to a 2023 study.
Use healthcare.gov to ensure you’re on the official federal marketplace and find your state’s official enrollment site.
Verify If It’s Real Insurance
Regulators are warning about health coverage offers requiring consumers to join a limited liability corporation or claim employment with specific companies. States like Maryland and Maine have cautioned against such non-ACA offers, often limited to discount cards or indemnity plans.
Expect Higher Premiums and Other Changes
Many insurers will raise premiums for 2025, with an estimated median increase of 7%, per KFF analysis. Eligible buyers typically receive subsidies offsetting these increases.
New open season policies include:
- “Dreamers” under DACA can now enroll and receive subsidies.
- Short-term plans, not regulated by ACA standards, are now limited to four months, in line with recent Biden administration rules.
Enrollment Process May Take Longer
To address unauthorized enrollment complaints, new rules require consumers working with a new agent to confirm authorization via a three-way call with the federal marketplace.
Consumers don’t need brokers to enroll but often seek help to navigate multiple plan options. Consider premium costs alongside deductibles and copayments.
Always Compare Plans
Check if your preferred doctors and medications are covered within a plan’s network. Standardized plans, required by law, help with comparisons by offering uniform deductibles and costs.
In most states, enrollment by December 15 ensures coverage starts January 1. Idaho’s enrollment begins October 15 and ends December 15, while states like California and New York allow registrations through January 31.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom offering in-depth health journalism and is part of KFF, an independent health policy research organization. Learn more about KFF.
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