Beginning Feb 16 — our new office is at 150A County Rd B, Shawano, WI. Same team, new home. Get Directions

ACA

ACA Open Enrollment Period Ends Today

3 min read
Chad Thiel
Table of Contents

What You Need To Know

As of today, December 15, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment Period has officially ended. If you enrolled or made changes to your health insurance plan, great job on securing your healthcare for 2025! But what's next?

Whether you’ve wrapped up your enrollment or still have questions, here's a timeline and important reminders to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Key Dates and Timeline

Today, December 15:

  • Open Enrollment Ends. If you successfully completed your enrollment, your new or updated health insurance coverage will begin on January 1, 2025.
  • Didn’t make any changes? If you didn’t log into the Marketplace to update or select a new plan, don’t worry! In most cases, your coverage will automatically renew for 2025 with your current plan or a similar one, depending on availability. However, we always recommend reviewing your plan to ensure it still meets your needs.
  • If you missed the deadline and want to make changes, standard enrollment through the ACA Marketplace is now closed. However, you may still have options if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). January 1, 2025:
  • Coverage Begins. Whether you enrolled in a new plan, made updates, or were auto-renewed, your coverage will start on January 1, 2025. Be sure to review your plan details, including: Your benefitsNetwork providersChanges to co-pays or prescriptionsJanuary 31, 2025:
  • Last Day to Submit Documents to the Marketplace. If the Marketplace has requested additional documents or verification, such as income proof or citizenship, you must submit them by this date. Failure to provide these documents could affect your coverage, so it’s important to act quickly.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP) Options

Although the Open Enrollment Period has ended, you may still qualify to enroll if you've experienced certain life changes. These life events include:

  • Getting married
  • Having a baby or adopting a child
  • Losing other health coverage (e.g., through job loss or divorce)
  • Moving to an area where new plans are available

If you think you qualify for an SEP, reach out to us. Our experienced agents can guide you through the process and make sure you understand all your options.

Follow-Up Documentation: Important Reminder

If you've already enrolled (or have been auto-renewed) but received a request for additional information or documentation from the Marketplace, it’s crucial to respond ASAP. These requests may include:

  • Income verification
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status
  • Proof of prior coverage (if applicable)
  • Important: Failing to submit these documents on time could result in delays, changes, or even the cancellation of your coverage. If you need help understanding what’s required or how to submit your documents, we’re here to help.

We’re Here to Help

Health insurance can feel complicated, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Thiel & Associates Insurance Agency, LLC, we’re dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible for you. Whether you need help with:

  • Follow-up documentation
  • Understanding your coverage
  • Exploring SEP options

Our team is here to answer any questions and resolve any issues that may arise.

Chad Thiel • Partner / Medicare & Health Insurance Broker
Share:

Related Articles

ACA

2026 ACA Marketplace Changes

If you get your health insurance through the Marketplace (Healthcare. gov or your state exchange), you’ve probably seen headlines lately about upcoming changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Have Questions About Your Coverage?

Our experienced team is here to help you navigate your insurance options.