From now until December 15, in most states, you can enroll in a health insurance plan for you and your family at Healthcare.gov, despite all of the Trump administration’s efforts to thwart you. Some states have extended enrollment periods:
- California – Oct. 15, 2018 to Jan. 15, 2019
- Colorado – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 15, 2019
- D.C. – Nov. 1 ,2018 to Jan. 31, 2019
- Massachusetts – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 23, 2019
- Minnesota – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 13, 2019
- New York – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 31, 2019
- Rhode Island – Nov. 1, 2018 to Jan. 31, 2019
But for the rest of the country, December 15 is the cut-off. So if you or someone you know needs insurance, get to it! Particularly in those states that aren’t running their own programs, and who aren’t fully on board with the ACA. The states relying on the Trump administration to get the word out are mostly out of luck, because the administration isn’t going to be making much of an effort to inform the public. It’s planning to spend about $10 million nationwide, in contrast with the Obama administration which spent $100 million on advertising and outreach in 2016.
Here’s what you need to know going in: shop around even if you already have a plan, as there might be a better, more affordable option; and don’t fall for a junk insurance plan now allowed on the exchanges unless you know for certain you’re not going to have a serious accident or illness in the next year, and since none of us know that, don’t go for a junk insurance plan.