Buzz
The ACA marketplace is still active, and you can still access subsidized insurance if your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level. It's always advisable to compare plans rather than relying on automatic enrollment. The deadline? In most states, you have until Saturday.
The open enrollment period for marketplace (also known as 'Obamacare') plans ends on December 15, 2018 in most states. However, here are some exceptions, as detailed by ACASignups.net:
In Rhode Island, the final day to enroll is December 31.
In Minnesota, you have until January 13, 2019.
In California and Colorado, enrollment closes on January 15, 2019.
In Massachusetts, the last day is January 23, 2019.
In New York and DC, the final day is January 31, 2019.
As in the previous year, silver plans tend to be the most expensive. Gold plans are a great deal, and bronze plans are affordable, with some even being free with subsidies. If you don't qualify for subsidies (i.e., if your household income exceeds 400% of the federal poverty level), you can explore 'off-exchange' silver plans directly on an insurance company's website.
Even if you think you know which plan you want, it’s worth shopping around. You may be eligible for subsidies this year that you didn’t qualify for last year, and plans might have changed. Don’t wait—time is running out. You can explore plans or get free, in-person assistance at healthcare.gov.
