Image by Tung Nguyen from Pixabay

More popular than ever, HealthCare.gov will continue to offer millions of consumers low premiums, a range of plan options, and a better shopping experience.

October 26, 2024 - Building on the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic efforts to make high-quality, affordable health care coverage accessible for all Americans, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Friday launched window-shopping for millions of consumers to preview health coverage options available through the 2025 Open Enrollment Period for the HealthCare.gov Marketplaces. Open enrollment begins November 1 for HealthCare.gov and the 20 states that run their own marketplaces.

Thanks to expanded tax credits made available in the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act, most consumers qualified for $0 premiums or continued to see annual premium savings exceeding $800 during the last Open Enrollment Period, and we expect consumers will see similar savings during this year’s Open Enrollment Period, as well. Consumers continue to have the option to compare plans that work best for them — 97% will be able to choose plans from among at least three insurance issuers.

“Everyone should be able to afford comprehensive health coverage, regardless of their zip code or income,” said Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Thanks to the work of the Biden-Harris Administration, including tax credits that have kept premiums low for millions of hard-working Americans, a record number of people have health coverage. They have the peace of mind to be able to go to the doctor when they need to. If you are looking for health care coverage for 2025, visit HealthCare.gov now to see your options and compare plans to find what best meets your needs.”

“President Biden and Vice President Harris have made clear that health care should be a fundamental right, not a privilege,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “The growth and popularity of the HealthCare.gov Marketplaces continues to show why. Four in five customers can still find a plan for $10 or less per month with enhanced tax credits. And we won’t rest until affordable, accessible coverage is a reality for all Americans.”

As a result of Biden-Harris Administration reforms and historic legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, the HealthCare.gov Marketplaces have become more affordable and accessible and have grown in popularity. Consumers who were previously ineligible for tax credits when buying their own coverage – such as families who found employer-based insurance unaffordable and individuals with modest incomes – will continue to have access to lower premiums.

Starting November 1, corresponding with Open Enrollment, otherwise eligible Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients will be able to enroll in a Marketplace plan and may be eligible for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to help lower health insurance costs. Eligible DACA recipients who apply for coverage and select a plan in November can have their Marketplace coverage begin as early as December 1. These changes will help make health care more affordable for thousands of DACA recipients in 2025, including many who are currently uninsured or underinsured.

Additionally, consumers will not only have access to greater plan choices for 2025 but also will benefit from an improved shopping experience and improved HealthCare.gov navigation, and enhancements to selecting a plan. CMS redesigned the HealthCare.gov homepage and Marketplace account section, for example, to make deadlines clearer, highlight important actions consumers must take to select their health coverage choices and improve usability on mobile devices.

Consumers continue to have access to both standardized plans and non-standardized plans so they can pick the right plan for their needs. Standardized plans include enhanced pre-deductible coverage for a range of key benefits at every metal level, while non-standardized plans may be better suited for consumers with more unique health care needs. New for 2025, consumers may also have access to non-standardized plans that target chronic and high-cost conditions by reducing cost sharing for services relevant to the treatment of these conditions.

CMS previously announced awards of $100 million to Navigator organizations, which are vital to helping underserved communities, consumers, and small businesses find and enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov. CMS remains committed to protecting consumers in the Marketplaces and has implemented a number of changes this year to protect consumers - PDF from unauthorized changes in their enrollments and protect the agents and brokers who follow CMS rules.

Marketplace Open Enrollment on HealthCare.gov runs from November 1 to January 15 and can last even longer in states that run their own State-based Marketplace. CMS encourages all consumers to select a plan by December 15 so their coverage starts on January 1, 2025. Consumers who select a plan between December 16 and the end of open enrollment on January 15 can have coverage that starts February 1, 2025.

For assistance with the application process, consumers can contact the HealthCare.gov call center at 1-800-318-2596, with assistance available 24/7 in 200 languages. Consumers can also find a local assister, agent, or broker by visiting HealthCare.gov and selecting the “Find local help” option.

For additional information on updates and improvements for HealthCare.gov Marketplace Open Enrollment, consult CMS’ “What’s New” fact sheet and infographic - PDF. Additional details are also available in:

• The Plan Year 2025 Qualified Health Plan and Premiums in HealthCare.gov States – Report, Appendix Tables, and Methodology.
• The Plan Year 2025 Health Insurance Marketplace^® Public Use Files.
• Information on Quality Ratings for Plan Year 2025.
• The Plan Year 2025 Projected Health Insurance Exchange Coverage Map.
• The Plan Year 2025 State-based Marketplace Open Enrollment Fact Sheet - PDF.
  Source: HHS