How To Sign Up for Obamacare in the District of Columbia
For 2024 health plans, Washington D.C. open enrollment begins on November 1, 2023 and runs through January 31, 2024. If you enroll by December 15, your coverage will begin on January 1, 2023.
Once open enrollment ends, you may still be able to purchase health insurance for this year if you qualify for a special enrollment period. For example, if you’ve recently lost your job or significant income, you might qualify for a 60-day special enrollment period that will allow you to sign up for a new health insurance plan. (See What Happens If I Miss the Enrollment Deadline?)
To get covered, you can go directly to the online health insurance marketplace for Washington D.C.. If you need personalized help, you can reach out to an enrollment assistant. Most enrollment helpers are working remotely during the COVID crisis.
Where's the Washington D.C. Health Care Exchange?
You can find the health insurance exchange for Washington D.C. at DC Health Link. This is where you can learn about the various health insurance options available to you under Obamacare. If you see a plan you like, you'll be guided through the enrollment process online.
Getting Personalized Help with Enrollment
In Washington D.C., if you need help understanding your options for coverage under Obamacare or signing up for a plan, you can get free assistance from a certified enrollment assistant or from a licensed health insurance agent or broker.
An enrollment assistant can explain your options, answer your questions, and help you apply for your chosen plan, but they can't recommend a specific one for you.
To find a Washington D.C. certified assistant, use the Get Free Expert Help page at DC Health Link. From there you can enter your location to find helpers near you.
Washington D.C. Medicaid Expansion: Do I Qualify for Medicaid Under the ACA?
The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) expanded Medicaid eligibility to include more people who couldn’t otherwise obtain health insurance. As written, the ACA would extend Medicaid to all adults with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. (For a single person in Washington D.C. in 2023, that’s $20,120. For a family of four, it’s $41,400.)
However, the U.S. Supreme Court later ruled that it was up to individual states to decide whether to expand Medicaid. As of December 2023, only 10 states have not expanded their programs.
Washington D.C. Has Expanded Medicaid
Because Washington D.C. did decide to expand its Medicaid program, residents can qualify for Medicaid more easily today than in years past.
Get Help Finding a Health Insurance Plan in D.C.
Get Help From D.C.'s Health Insurance Exchange
The following links and telephone numbers take you to the official help resources for DC Health Link, the health insurance marketplace for Washington D.C..
Get help by phone: 855-532-5465 (TTY: 711-1-532-5465)
Get help in person: To find a Washington D.C. certified assister, broker, or agent, use the Get Free Expert Help page at DC Health Link.
Get Help From a Licensed Insurance Broker
To directly connect with a Washington D.C. insurance broker who can help you evaluate insurance plans and choose a plan that's appropriate for your situation, call 800-943-6832. (We receive advertising income from the licensed brokers who offer their services through this telephone number.)
More Information
For more detailed information, see How Do I Sign Up for Obamacare in Washington D.C.?