ACA open enrollment begins Friday

Iowans not eligible for health insurance through Medicare, Medicaid or employer-based insurance can enroll in, renew or change health plans under the Aff ordable Care Act coverage provisions starting Friday.

The Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment starts Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15. Coverage can start as soon as Jan. 1.

Iowans who need help selecting a plan are invited to use Iowa Navigator, a federally funded nonprofit organization that assists people in the process of selecting a plan and applying for financial assistance that helps them pay for their monthly premiums.

About 90% of those who enroll receive subsidies to make the insurance more aff ordable, according to the nonprofit. Federal premium subsidies have increased and are more widely available than they were a few years ago, under new rules.

National trends show that about 4 in 5 people across the country could get a plan for less than $10 per month, according to Iowa Navigator. The organization assists with enrollment applications and helps consumers apply for financial assistance through HealthCare.gov.

From 2019 through August 2024, the Navigator program off ered only virtual or phone assistance. For the upcoming open enrollment period, Iowa Navigator has received $1.25 million per year for the next five years from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It has hired eight navigators in Iowa to provide in-person enrollment assistance based in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City.

For coverage starting Jan. 1, sign-up must be completed by Dec. 15. Coverage begins Feb. 1 for those who enroll in or change plans Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 and pay their first premium.

Individuals who already have a plan and need to re-enroll are encouraged to double-check the network and prescription drug coverage for any changes and update their information in case they qualify for additional cost savings.

The Iowa Navigator program is available for free. Call 515-9789570 or visit iowanavigator.com for an in-person or phone appointment.