Health Insurance Marketplace Opens for Fifth Enrollment Period
Free In-Person Assistance Available
ENROLLMENT DEADLINE DECEMBER 15, 2017
1 (800) 318-2596 (TTY: 1 855 889-4325)
The Health Insurance Marketplace is open for business! The fifth open enrollment period began on Wednesday, November 1 for those looking to renew their current coverage or enroll in a new plan for 2018. This open enrollment period will continue through December 15, 2017.
In order for a person to have coverage effective starting January 1, 2018, individuals must enroll in a plan by December 15. With the shortened enrollment period, consumers are encouraged to act early to ensure there is enough time to enroll before the deadline. Plans for 2018 will be provided by Medica.
As in the past, consumers could receive subsidies to lower the cost of their coverage. Subsidies are based upon a household’s annual income.
Even if health coverage is available from an individual’s or family member’s job, health insurance can still be purchased through the Marketplace, but consumers may have to pay the full price of the plan. If offered job-based coverage, an individual probably will not qualify for a premium tax credit or other savings, even if the income would otherwise qualify.
If job-based insurance does not meet minimum standards for affordability and coverage, individuals could qualify for savings on a Marketplace plan. To determine if job-based coverage meets affordability and coverage standards, employers can fill out an Employer Coverage Tool.
No Coverage? You Could Pay a Penalty
Those not enrolled in a plan for 2018 and do not meet certain requirements to receive an exemption will be required to pay a penalty. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service will not accept electronically filed tax returns for 2017 unless the taxpayer indicates they had minimum essential coverage, claims an exemption, or pays the individual responsibility penalty. Paper returns that do not address the coverage requirement could be suspended until the information is received, which may delay refunds.
Key Dates to Remember
•November 1, 2017: Open Enrollment begins. This is the first day to enroll, re-enroll or change a 2018 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
•December 15, 2017: Last day to enroll in or change plans for 2018 coverage. After this date, consumers can enroll or change plans only if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
•January 1, 2018: 2018 coverage starts, if the first premium has been paid.
As a reminder, enrollment for Medicaid is open year-round.
Free, In-Person Assistance is Available
In-person assistance is available free of charge across the state of Iowa. A Certified Application Counselor (CAC) or Navigator can assist consumers with enrolling in coverage and determining eligibility for both Marketplace plans and Medicaid. To find an assister near you, visit
For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit healthcare.gov. Individuals can enroll in Marketplace coverage at healthcare.gov or by calling 1 (800) 318-2596 (TTY: 1 855 889-4325).