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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Affordable Care Act

Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment for 2018 Coverage runs from November 1, 2017 to December 15, 2017. Some States utilize a State-Based Marketplace that may have a more generous open enrollment period. For more information on State-based Marketplaces and to determine which type of Marketplace is used in your State please visit: CMS.gov Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov .

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) who are a member of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder qualify for special monthly Marketplace enrollment periods. Your Marketplace eligibility results will explain that you can change your plan any month of the year. You can also change plans during the annual Open Enrollment period.

  • To change plans outside Open Enrollment: Log into your Marketplace account and select the “Report a Life Change” button. Select “status as an American Indian/Alaska Native or tribal status.” The application will show you how to continue to shop and enroll in a new plan.
  • To change plans during Open Enrollment: Log into your Marketplace account. Select “My Plans and Programs.” Select the red “End/Terminate All Coverage” button. Select “Eligibility & Appeals.” Select the green “Continue to Enrollment” button. You can then shop for plans and enroll in the one you choose.

Note: When you change plans during a special monthly period, you could wind up with a gap in your coverage if you enroll after the 15th day of the month. For example, if you change plans after May 15 your current coverage will end on May 31. But your new coverage won’t take effect until July 1. Check with your current plan and the plan you want to enroll in to learn how to avoid a coverage gap. You may find that enrolling before the 15th of the month is the best way to avoid a gap.

Outside the Open Enrollment Period, if you are not a member of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder you generally can enroll in a health insurance plan only if you qualify for another Special Enrollment Period. You qualify if you have certain life events, like getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage.  See more information at Healthcare.gov Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

  • Job-based plans may have different Open Enrollment Periods. Check with your employer.
  • You can apply and enroll in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time of year.