Open enrollment for Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) plans runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027. For coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2027, you’ll need to apply and choose a plan by Dec. 15, 2026, and pay your first premium by the plan’s deadline. (Some state-run Marketplaces have different enrollment periods.)
What is open enrollment?
- Open enrollment is the period when you can sign up for a health insurance plan.
- You can also renew, change, or cancel your current health insurance plan. (You can do the same for your vision and dental plans.)
- If you miss the Marketplace deadline, you generally must wait until the next open enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). You can apply for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time.
What are my health plan options?
- Your health coverage options may include Marketplace, job-based, private, and student health plans.
- Job-based, private, and student health plans set their own enrollment periods.
What should I know about Health Insurance Marketplace plans?
- The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established the Marketplace, where you can compare and enroll in health plans.
- You can shop and apply for coverage at HealthCare.gov. Shopping during open enrollment every year helps you find the best deal because plans and prices can change.
- Some states have their own Marketplaces. You can also find this information on HealthCare.gov.
- Depending on your household income and other factors, you may qualify for help paying for a plan.
- When you apply, the Marketplace system will check whether you and your family qualify for public programs like Medicaid and CHIP.
How do I know which plan to choose?
- Think about what you can afford, and estimate your health care costs for the year.
- Compare premiums (the amount you pay for your health plan), copays (a fixed cost for care), and benefits under each plan.
- Some products are marketed as alternatives to health insurance but don’t offer the same protection. Health care sharing ministries (HCSMs), discount plans, and risk-sharing plans are not health insurance and do not provide the same protections as health insurance.
What about options outside the Health Insurance Marketplace?
Job-based health insurance
- If your employer offers health insurance, you may qualify to enroll, even if you previously declined a plan.
- Employers typically pay part of the premiums for employees and their dependents.
- You may also be eligible for coverage through a family member, such as a spouse’s employer-sponsored plan or, if you’re under 26, a parent or guardian’s plan.
Private insurance
- You can buy private health insurance through an insurance agent, broker, or directly from an insurance company.
- These plans don’t qualify for the financial help available through the Marketplace and may not include the same benefits.
Student health plans
- If you’re enrolled in a college or university, you may be eligible for a student health plan. Contact your school’s health services department to learn more.
Where can I get help?
Visit www.LouisianasMarketplace.com for information and some great options in potentially reducing your Health coverage cost. Or better yet, call Kevin directly at 985-778-0072 to explore your options.
Written by: naic.com
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Please visit www.LouisianasMarketplace.com for some great options in potentially reducing your Health coverage cost. Or better yet, call Kevin directly at 985-778-0072 to explore alternative solutions that just might save a bunch of moula!
•More Options •Better Alternatives •True Health Coverage for Less