The Open Enrollment period for 2015 coverage begins on November 15, 2014.

Here are the important upcoming dates and deadlines:

November 15, 2014: 2015 Open Enrollment begins
December 31, 2014: Coverage ends for 2014 Marketplace plans
February 15, 2015: 2015 Open Enrollment ends

There are some individuals and families that will be able to apply for private insurance even while outside of the standard Open Enrollment period. When there are special life events and one is uninsured, one has the potential to be allowed to utilize a special enrollment period.

Some people might have just had a baby and others might have just married. These and other life events could qualify many people for a special enrollment period.

Some individuals and families were late for the March 31, 2014 deadline.  Although Open Enrollment for 2014 coverage is over, you might have options after the March 31, 2014 Open Enrollment period.

You may call the Marketplace Call Center at 1.800.318.2596.

Some individuals and families may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that allows you to buy a private health plan through the Marketplace.

Some people may qualify for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). You can do this any time, all year. If you qualify you can enroll immediately.

Getting health coverage outside Open Enrollment

Medicaid and CHIP enrollment

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined state-federal programs for some people with limited incomes or disabilities.

You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP coverage at any time by applying directly to your state agency. If you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, your coverage can begin immediately.

You can also find out if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP coverage by filling out a Marketplace application any time of year. If it looks like you’re eligible for either program,  your information will be sent to the state agency. They’ll contact you to finish enrollment.

Many states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover all residents with income below a certain level.

Enrollment for small businesses

Employers generally can start offering health insurance coverage to their employees at any time during the year.

This is true whether you buy coverage through the SHOP Marketplace, an agent or broker, or directly from an insurance company.

Learn more about SHOP coverage for businesses with 50 or fewer employees.