2015 Marketplace Enrollment Dates and Deadlines

This article outlines the key dates and deadlines for Marketplace open enrollment, getting coverage, and avoiding the individual mandate penalty in 2015.

2015 Dates and Deadlines

November 15, 2014: Open enrollment begins for individual health insurance (i.e. Qualified Health Plans).
January 1, 2015: Earliest coverage date for plans purchased during the 2015 open enrollment period.
February 15, 2015: Open enrollment ends. If you miss this date, you will have to wait until fall 2015 to enroll, unless you have a qualifying life event such as a marriage, birth of a child, significant income change, or loss of job-based health insurance. Then, you can enroll during a special enrollment period.

November 15, 2015 - February 15, 2016: Open enrollment period for 2016 coverage.

Enrollment Period:	From:
2015 Open Enrollment Period (for coverage in 2015)	November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015
Special Enrollment Period (after a qualifying event)	Generally 60 days from qualifying life event

FAQ: What If I Miss Open Enrollment for an Individual Health Plan?

If you miss open enrollment, and have not enrolled in a health plan by February 15, 2015, you've likely missed your chance to buy coverage for the year -- unless you have a significant change in circumstance called a qualifying life event. There are several types of qualifying life events such as marriage, birth of a child, income change, loss of job-based health insurance, permanent move to a new area, etc.

If you miss the deadline, this also means you'll probably face a penalty for not having insurance. In 2015, the penalty is $325 per person up to a maximum of three times that amount for a family ($975), or 2% of household income if greater. Read more.