Arizona Marketplace ACA

• The Affordable Care Act (ACA), formally known as Obamacare, is a Federal program enacted by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The purpose of this program is to make affordable health insurance available to more people. The health insurance plans are guaranteed issue and prohibit insurers from denying coverage to individuals due to preexisting conditions. The ACA provides consumers with subsidies ("premium tax credits") that lower costs for households with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

Notice: Enroll for 2024 by January 16 You have one extra day to enroll due to the January 15 federal holiday. Fill out an application, compare plans, and enroll in health coverage for 2024 by January 16. Coverage starts February 1.

• November 1: Open Enrollment starts for health coverage for the next plan year — first day you can enroll in, re-enroll in, or change health plans through the Marketplace. Coverage can start as soon as January 1.
• December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1.
• January 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans by December 15 and pay their first premium.
• January 15: Open Enrollment ends — last day to enroll in or change health plans for the year. After this date, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
• February 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans from December 16 through January 16 and pay their first premium.
• January 17, 2024 - October 31, 2024: Enrollment Period

You can get health coverage for the rest of the year if you qualify for:

• A Special Enrollment Period due to a recent life event, like losing other coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby.
• Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or based on estimated household income.

Download the Marketplace Checklist and Click on the Self Quote Button Or call the office for more information.

If you missed Open Enrollment, you will have to wait until the following year unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). In most cases, Special Enrollment is a 60-day window, starting with the date of your Qualifying Life Event. You can also apply for health insurance coverage 60 days before the QLE in cases where you know you'll lose coverage. For example, turning 26 and no longer being able to stay on a parent's health insurance plan. It's also important to know, you may be required to submit documentation regarding your QLE to prove your eligibility.

• Getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child
• Losing your health insurance through your employer, a divorce, or legal separation
• Losing your coverage when moving to a new county or ZIP code
• Leaving incarceration
• Becoming a U.S. citizen
• Gaining status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder
• Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe
• Starting or ending your service as an AmeriCorps VISTA member

If you experience a Qualifying Life Event, you'll be able to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period. In most cases, this window lasts 60 days after you become eligible so it's important not to wait.

Key Terms
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
A window of opportunity when you can enroll in health insurance outside of Open Enrollment. Typically, Special Enrollment Periods last 60 days.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
This is the annual period when you can shop for and enroll in health insurance. Last year, Open Enrollment lasted from November 1st through January 15th, in most states. Over 8 million Americans signed up during this time.

Qualified Health Plan (QHP)
A health plan that's certified by the Health Insurance Marketplace, provides essential health benefits, follows established limits on cost-sharing (like deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximum amounts), and meets other requirements under the Affordable Care Act.

Qualifying Life Event (QLE)
A major change in your life that makes you eligible for an SEP. A few examples include losing coverage through your job, getting married, or becoming a U.S. citizen.

Marketplace
This is where Americans can enroll in health insurance plans that meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. There are federally-run, state-run, and privately-run ACA Marketplaces.