The 2017 open enrollment period to enroll in Obamacare through the Healthplan Marketplace begins Nov. 1 and ends on Jan. 31. If you have not enrolled in coverage by these dates, you cannot buy Healthplan Marketplace coverage for 2017 until the next open enrollment period for coverage in 2018.
You can get health insurance through the Healthplan Marketplace only during open enrollment 2017, unless you have special circumstances. You can compare health insurance rates directly from major health insurance carriers any time throughout the year.
If you are enrolled in a 2016 Marketplace plan, your benefit year will end on Dec. 31, 2016. In order to continue your coverage in 2017, you may renew your current health plan or choose a new health plan through the Marketplace during the 2017 Open Enrollment period.
Coverage and Enrollment start dates
During 2017 open enrollment, if you decide to enroll between the 1st and 15th days of a month, your healthcare coverage will begin the first day of the following month. Between the 16th and the last day of a month, your coverage will begin the first day of the second month. For example, if you enroll on May 16, your coverage will begin on July 1.
You are only allowed to buy Marketplace insurance outside of open enrollment if you qualify for a special enrollment period because of a qualifying event such as loss of other health coverage, birth or adoption of a child, or a marriage.
You may enroll in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid at any time. There are no limited enrollment periods for these two programs. You man apply any time. If you are qualified, you have the right to enroll immediately. If you operate or own a small business, you may start offering coverage to your employees at any time.
Important Health Insurance Marketplace Dates 2016/2017
You may generally buy Healthplan Marketplace coverage insurance at any time during the open enrollment period. The following are important days to remember:
• Nov. 1, 2016: 2017 open enrollment will begin
• Jan. 1: 2017 coverage will begin
• Jan. 31: 2017 open enrollment will end
Visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov to learn more or call 800-949-7903 to find a local agent.
