Yes, you should have health insurance, but no, you can’t buy it any time you want. 

December 15 is the last day of Open Enrollment for coverage that starts January 1.

Now is the time to enroll if you want to avoid the stress (and risk) of going without coverage.

Millions of Americans buy their own insurance on what’s called the marketplace. If you’re a freelancer, contractor, self-employed, gig worker, or anyone else who doesn’t get health benefits from an employer, then Open Enrollment is your time to get covered. 

The window closes this week, so don’t miss the chance to enroll. Here are a few common questions and answers as the December 15 deadline approaches:

Where do I start?

This plan explorer is a great place to begin if you want to jump straight into comparing plans that are tailored to you and your preferences and circumstances. You can compare prices, filter results, and get recommendations to help narrow down the options. 

What if I want to do more research?

To step back and get a bigger picture on things like health insurance terminology, costs, and types of coverage, these guides give definitions and bite-sized breakdowns that are easy to digest.

Will health insurance be expensive? 

The cost of health insurance depends on things like where you live and how much you earn. The good news is that tax credits are available to almost everyone who buys their own coverage. Catch makes it easy to get every credit you deserve without making you jump through a ton of hoops. The tax credits can amount to serious savings. In 2022, 86% of people qualified for an average savings of $524 per month.

What if I already have a plan? 

That’s great! Catch can help you renew your current plan for 2023 and make sure you’re saving as much money as possible on your premium. Remember, that means potentially hundreds of dollars in savings every month.

Is it possible to enroll after December 15? 

There will be an extension period. In most states, you’ll be able to enroll in a plan up until January 15, 2023, except for the following places, which have different end dates for Open Enrollment:

• California: January 31

• Idaho: December 15

• Massachusetts: January 23

• New Jersey: January 31

• New York: January 31

• Rhode Island: January 31

• Washington, DC: January 31 

If you enroll during the extension period, know that there may be a gap in your coverage, because plans bought during the extension don’t start until February 1. The important deadline is December 15.

More questions? Catch has licensed agents who are ready to help. Otherwise, grab health insurance before time runs out!