COVID-19 Special Enrollment

The marketplace is open again
February 3, 2021



The COVID-19 health emergency has caused significant challenges for many Americans. Recently, President Biden signed an Executive Order to help Americans to overcome the health challenges they face.

The Executive Order will re-open the health insurance marketplace so that Americans without coverage can get the insurance they need! Starting on February 15, 2021 and running through August 15, 2021, Special Enrollment Periods (SEP’s) will be available for Americans to enroll in health insurance. Typically, these Special Enrollment Periods are only available if you have a qualifying life event such as moving or having a child.

By making the Special Enrollment Period available to all, you and your family can apply for the health insurance coverage you need, even if you missed Open Enrollment at the end of 2020. During this Special Enrollment Period, coverage dates will be accelerated. This means as long as you enroll before the end of a month, your coverage will begin on the 1st of the next month.

Importantly, during this period you can also change your marketplace plan if you previously enrolled in health insurance during open enrollment.

This SEP will be available in the 36 states served by the Federal health insurance marketplace. From February 15th to August 15th, you will be able to enroll in health coverage that starts the first of the month following your enrollment. If you need health insurance for you or your family, you can get started with Catch.

If you live in one of the 15 States that operate their own health insurance marketplace, please see below if your state has extended enrollment in 2021. States with different date ranges or no enrollment extension are bolded.