In general, you can only enroll in non-group health plan coverage during the Open Enrollment period.

However, in 2021, HealthCare.gov and all state-run Marketplaces have extended the enrollment period to make it easier for people to sign up for coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.  During this extended enrollment period, uninsured people can sign up, and (in HealthCare.gov states and some state marketplaces) people already enrolled in the Marketplace have an opportunity to change plans.  Even though this extended COVID enrollment period is sometimes referred to as a “special” enrollment period, you do not need to have a qualifying event (such as loss of other health coverage) to sign up during this time. 

Dates for the extended COVID enrollment period are as follows:

HealthCare.gov  states       February 15 – August 15, 2021   

California                              February  1 – December 31, 2021

Colorado                               February 8 – August 15, 2021

Connecticut                          May 1, 2021 – October 31, 2021

District of Columbia            February 1 – December 31, 2021

Idaho                                      March 1 – April 30, 2021

Maryland                               February  1 – August 15, 2021

Massachusetts                      February 1 – July 23, 2021

Minnesota                              February 16  – July 16, 2021 (people who received Unemployment Compensation
                                                   during 2021 can continue to enroll until end of the year)

Nevada                                   February 15 – August 15, 2021

New Jersey                             February 1 – December 31, 2021

New York                               February 1 – December 31, 2021

Pennsylvania                         February 15 – August 15, 2021

Rhode Island                         February 1 – August 15, 2021

Vermont                                 February 16 – October 1, 2021

Washington                            February 15 – August 15, 2021

Once the extended COVID enrollment period ends, individuals and families will not be able to enroll in Marketplace health plans until the next Open Enrollment period. However, if you experience certain changes in circumstances during the year, you will have a special 60-day opportunity to enroll in Marketplace health plans, outside of the Open Enrollment period.

The extended COVID enrollment period does not apply to plans sold outside of the Marketplace in HealthCare.gov states.

American Indians and Alaska Natives can enroll in Marketplace coverage throughout the year, not just during Open Enrollment.