Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace
Open Enrollment for 2025
Carrie Dorn, MPA, LMSW
Senior Practice Associate, Health
November 1st 2024 to January 15th 2025
Open Enrollment on the Health Insurance Marketplace, https://www.healthcare.gov or https://www.cuidadodesalud.gov/es/, started November 1st 2024 and continues through January 15th 2025. NASW is a Champion for Coverage!
To secure coverage for January 1st 2025, enrollment must be completed by December 15th 2024. If individuals enroll after December 15th, coverage will begin on February 1st 2025.
Health insurance coverage is critical for adults and children to access preventive care and services for medical and behavioral health conditions. The health insurance marketplace is a trusted source for quality health insurance options that are affordable and provide coverage for the Essential Health Benefits.
Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration finalized a federal rule that extended health insurance coverage options for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and other “lawfully present” noncitizens who meet specific criteria. This change will have a significant impact on improving health in the communities that social workers serve, including in families of mixed immigration status. Social workers can educate individuals and families about new health insurance coverage options for DACA recipients on the Health Insurance Marketplace and encourage early enrollment. As a new administration begins in 2025, there is uncertainty regarding the DACA program. In addition, there is a pending lawsuit brought by 19 states that is challenging the federal rule that extended health insurance coverage options to noncitizens. NASW will follow these developments and continue to advocate on behalf of DACA recipients.
Social workers can also support families that lost Medicaid and CHIP during Medicaid Unwinding find alternative health insurance coverage. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 25 million people were disenrolled from Medicaid when states conducted redeterminations over the past year and a half, while 56 million individuals had their coverage renewed. Some adults and children that lost Medicaid coverage may be eligible for a subsidized health plan on the Marketplace.
For 2025, there are many affordable health coverage options on the Marketplace, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that included premium tax credits to lower costs. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 4 out of 5 consumers can find a plan for $10 a month or less on HealthCare.gov.
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