Affordable Care Act and Medicaid

Here are three things you need to know for the 2024 ACA Open Enrollment period:

HERE ARE THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE 2024 ACA OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD:

1. This year’s Open Enrollment will run from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. 

•  With health coverage, you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you and your family are protected in case unexpected events happen. That’s why it’s important that you enroll in a health care plan before the January 15 deadline.   

• Depending on your income level, you might also qualify for financial assistance that makes purchasing and utilizing marketplace coverage more budget friendly. There are two financial assistance options available:  

• • Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs), assist individuals and families in covering their monthly health insurance premiums.  

• • Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs) assist individuals with incomes up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) in paying for specific out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, such as deductibles and copayments. 

• Did you know? Nearly 9 in 10 people who sign up for a plan in the ACA Marketplace qualify for financial help, and 4 in 5 people can find a health plan for $10/month or less.   

• To see if you qualify for financial help call (800) 318-2596, or click here for help in English or Spanish.   

• You can learn more about these options here. 

2. Beginning on November 1, 2024, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and specific other immigrants became eligible to enroll in private health insurance plan through the health insurance marketplace created by the ACA. 

• You can enroll if you file a federal tax return and lack comprehensive, affordable coverage from another source.  

• Depending on your income level, you might also qualify for the financial assistance mentioned above to help you pay for monthly insurance premiums.  

• In states that have adopted the Basic Health Program (BHP) – currently New York, Minnesota, and Oregon – you can enroll in BHP if your income meets the eligibility criteria. 

• Federal laws and regulations mandate that the information you provide can only be utilized for the operation of the health insurance marketplace. For instance, your immigration status or income details may be verified to confirm your eligibility for coverage or subsidies, BUT your information CANNOT/WILL NOT be used for any other reasons such as with immigration enforcement.  

• Although you do not qualify for federally funded Medicaid, you might be eligible for state-funded Medicaid or a similar program in certain states such as Oregon and California. Find out more here.  

3. There are three ways to enroll: 

• Online at healthcare.gov or cuidadodesalud.gov   

• Over the phone at 1-800-318-2596  

• In-person or virtually by finding local help in English or Spanish   \

4. There are three ways to enroll: 

While all plans are comprehensive and cover doctor’s visits, prescriptions, emergency services, and hospitalizations, every plan is different, and your options change yearly. The good news is there are tools available to compare plans so you can choose the one that’s best for you and your family. Whether enrolling in coverage for the first time or renewing your coverage during Open Enrollment, it is important to shop around.  

• To compare plans, visit healthcare.gov or cuidadodesalud.gov. Once on the site, you can put in your ZIP code to see a list of plans available in your area.  

Explore Your Health Coverage Options

MEDICAID

• If you’re out of work, lost your health insurance, had major life changes, or need some temporary help to afford health coverage, you may qualify for Medicaid.   

• Medicaid is a low-cost or free health insurance option that can help you get the care you and your family need and avoid large medical bills. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health care, and more. Eligibility for Medicaid is based on income and family size.  

• Visit HealthCare.Gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to see if your monthly income qualifies you for Medicaid coverage in your state. 

CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP)

• If your children need health coverage, they may be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

• CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private health insurance. In some states, CHIP covers pregnant women.  

• Every state program has specific guidelines regarding who is eligible for CHIP. You can apply at any time throughout the year to determine your eligibility. When you submit an application for Medicaid coverage to your state agency, you’ll also learn if your children qualify for CHIP. If they do qualify, you won’t need to purchase a separate insurance plan for their coverage. 

• There are two ways to apply for CHIP:  

• Call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). 

• Fill out an application through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, they will send your information to your state agency and will contact you about enrollment 

• You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid or CHIP at any time throughout the year. There are no restricted enrollment periods for either program. If you meet the qualifications, your coverage can begin right away. 

Make sure to check back with us at UnidosUS.org for updates and additional resources so you and your family can get ready to get covered!