In HealthCare.gov states, people who are eligible for premium tax credits and who expect their annual income in 2025 will be no more than 150% of the federal poverty level ($22,590 for a single person, $38,730 for a family of 3) can apply for a special enrollment period (SEP) to sign up for coverage.

If you miss the Open Enrollment period, this low-income SEP will be available throughout the year. Go to HealthCare.gov and indicate that you expect your household income to be no more than 150% of the poverty level in 2025. Unlike other SEPs, you will be able to sign up for coverage and subsidies right away, without having to prove you are eligible for this special enrollment opportunity. However, HealthCare.gov will automatically verify your income estimate, as it does for all applicants. If the amount you attest to on your application is substantially different from income data the Marketplace can check online, you might be asked to provide additional documentation within 90 days. If you miss this 90 day window, you will automatically be granted a 60 day extension.

You can sign up for a plan in any metal level of coverage; but at your income you will be eligible for Silver plans with small or no premiums and with cost sharing subsidies that dramatically reduce deductibles and copays.

If you already enrolled in a Marketplace plan, and then your income falls to 150% of the poverty level, you can also use this SEP to change plans, though you will be limited to switching to a Silver-level plan. At your new lower income, Silver plans will offer very low deductibles and copays.

After signing up for a Marketplace plan during this low-income SEP, your coverage will take effect on the first day of the following month, even if you made your selection after the 15th of the month. For example, if you select your Marketplace plan on February 18, your new coverage will begin on March 1. This federal rule on coverage effective dates for SEPs was formerly applicable to only Healthcare.gov enrollees, but starting in 2025 it will be extended to State-based Marketplace enrollees.

State-run Marketplaces also have the option of offering this low-income SEP. If you reside in a State-based Marketplace, click here for the link that will take you to the website for your State-based Marketplace. If you are unsure if you reside in a State-based Marketplace or in a state where the Marketplace is offered on the Federal Platform (also known as a Healthcare.gov state or a State-based Marketplace- Federal Platform), click here for more information.