Open Enrollment

When is open enrollment for 2023 health coverage?

Open enrollment for 2023 health coverage begins in nearly every state on November 1, 2022. In the majority of the states, this open enrollment for 2023 coverage will run through December 15, 2022. It is possible for an extension to January 15, 2023, but check with local guidelines.

In nearly every state, enrollments completed after December 15 but before the end of open enrollment will have a February 1 effective date, although there are generally a few states where a March effective date is possible during the latter part of open enrollment.

What is “Open Enrollment”

For most Americans, open enrollment is the only opportunity to enroll in an ACA-compliant health plan without needing a qualifying life event.

Open enrollment is the annual window during which individuals and families may sign up for ACA-compliant individual and family health insurance – or make changes to their existing coverage. It’s the only time during the year – other than a special enrollment period – that Americans can sign up for a plan or switch to a different health plan.

During the open enrollment period for 2022 coverage, enrollment reached a record high, with more than 14.5 million people signing up for coverage through the exchanges (marketplaces). The record-high enrollment was driven in large part by the subsidy enhancements created by the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

The ARP's improvements to the ACA's subsidy structure have allowed an unprecedented number of Americans to qualify for premium tax credits that are larger than they used to be. And the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022, extends the current subsidy enhancements through 2025.

So during the open enrollment period for 2023 coverage, the enhanced subsidies will still be available. And depending on the price of coverage, subsidies will still be available to households with income above 400% of the poverty level.

The IRS is expected to finalize a fix for the "family glitch" prior to the start of open enrollment, which will make some workers' families newly eligible for premium subsidies in the exchange.

For 2023, we're again seeing numerous insurers joining the exchanges or expanding their coverage areas, but there are also some insurers that are exiting the marketplaces in some states. Insurer exits and entries can result in changing benchmark premiums, which can change premium subsidy amounts. Here’s what you need to know about how that works.

Make sure that when you are selecting your plan, that you make sure you know exactly what you are responsible for. Many of these plans may have increased deductibles, COPAYS, COINS, or other expenses. Please remember that with the number of plans available, it will be almost impossible for the provider’s office to know them all.

It is your responsibility to notify your doctor’s office and clinics you regularly go to of any changes to your health plan coverage.

Also keep in mind that deductibles, regardless of the plan you have or take, will return to $0 on January 1st and will apply following this date.