Enrolling in an ACA Marketplace plan

If plans are available in your area, you can enroll in a UnitedHealthcare Individual & Family ACA Marketplace plan directly through UnitedHealthcare. Let’s walk through what you need to know as you get ready to shop for and enroll in an ACA plan.

Know the Marketplace open enrollment dates

You’ll need to enroll in an ACA plan during the open enrollment window. This typically runs November 1 to January 15 in most states. Make sure to add these dates to your calendar:

November 1

Open enrollment begins, and you can shop for and enroll in a plan.

December 15

To start coverage on January 1, 2025, enroll by December 15, 2024, in most states.

January 15

To start coverage on February 1, 2025, enroll by January 15, 2025, in most states.

Do you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?

If you experience a qualifying life event (like turning 26 or having a baby) at any time during the year, you may be eligible to enroll outside of the open enrollment window. Your coverage start date will depend on your qualifying life event.

Think about your needs

Consider what matters most to you when choosing a health plan. Do you need budget-friendly coverage? Or do you want a plan with lots of coverage and perks? This can help you narrow your options. You’ll also want to think about these questions:

Do you have a preferred provider?

If so, you’ll want to find a plan where they’re in network. You will be able to search for your provider during enrollment.

Do you take regular prescription medications?

Check the plan’s formulary (drug list) to see what medications are covered to avoid surprise costs. Medications not listed on the formulary will likely be an out-of-pocket cost to you.

Do you want to renew your current plan for next year?

If you’re a UnitedHealthcare ACA plan member, you may be able to continue paying your premium to stay enrolled in your plan for 2025. We’ll reach out to let you know your 2025 plan options.

Prepare for the ACA enrollment process

When you enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan, you’ll be asked some questions about your household and income. This helps determine your ACA plan eligibility and subsidies (savings). Gathering this info ahead of time can help you prepare. Here’s what you may need to provide:

Explore your plan options and enroll

UnitedHealthcare Individual & Family ACA Marketplace plans offer a range of plan types designed to meet your coverage needs and budget. Learn about our plan types and compare costs and coverage to help you choose the right plan for you.

You can also explore plan options, get estimates and enroll by calling one of our licensed insurance agents at 1-800-557-6718, TTY 711.

Activate your coverage

After you enroll in a plan, you’ll need to complete a few simple tasks before your coverage can start. You’ll be able to do this from your UnitedHealthcare ACA plan’s post-enrollment dashboard. You’ll be asked to:

It’s important to make your first premium payment on time so your coverage can officially start. You’ll typically receive your welcome kit and health plan ID card within 10 days of making your payment.

Frequently asked questions

What’s a qualifying life event?

A qualifying life event is a life-changing situation — like turning 26, moving to a new state or having a baby — that can impact you and your health insurance. If you have a qualifying life event, you may be able to buy a new health plan during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Some states may offer SEPs for other qualifying reasons, like natural disaster relief.

After I enroll, when does my ACA Marketplace plan coverage start?

If you sign up for an ACA Marketplace plan during open enrollment (November 1 to January 15 in most states), your coverage will start depending on when you enroll in your plan.

If you enroll during a Special Enrollment Period, your coverage start date could vary.

Keep in mind, there are exceptions to these guidelines depending on which state you enroll in, or for certain qualifying life events. A licensed insurance agent can help you determine which qualifying life event you have.

Looking for a plan?

Enter your ZIP code to see plans in your area.

Talk with a licensed insurance agent at:
1-800-557-6718, TTY 711

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET, Saturday
Closed: Sunday

Already a member?

Call our Member Services team at:
1-877-265-9199, TTY 711

24/7 Member Services + Care Support or sign in to our member site.

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Disclaimers

The benefits described may not be offered on all plans or in all states. Some plans may require copayments, deductibles and/or coinsurance for these benefits. The policy has exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, review the plan coverage documents, or call or write your insurance agent/broker or the company, whichever is applicable. By responding to this offer or communication, you agree that a representative may contact you.

UnitedHealthcare Individual & Family plans medical plan coverage offered by: UnitedHealthcare of Arizona, Inc.; Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization Incorporated in CO; UnitedHealthcare of Florida, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, Inc; UnitedHealthcare of Illinois, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company in AL, IN, KS, LA, MO, NE, NJ, TN, and WY; Optimum Choice, Inc. in MD and VA; UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Inc. in MI; UnitedHealthcare of Mississippi, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of Ohio, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of Oklahoma, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of South Carolina, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of Texas, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of Oregon, Inc. in WA; UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin, Inc., and UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley in Iowa. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.

Footnoted disclaimers

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