Yes. On March 23, the 11 th anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), President Joe Biden announced a second extension of a special open enrollment period for the HealthCare.gov federal marketplace until August 15. People who need to sign up for the first time or want to upgrade their coverage can do so during this period. In a recent report, the Kaiser Family Foundation estimated that about 15 million Americans may need to shop for coverage on the ACA marketplaces. AARP research estimates that 5.5 million adults between 50 and 64 do not have access to coverage through their job or a public program.
AARP had sent a letter to Congress last spring asking for a nationwide special open enrollment period: “Access to affordable health care coverage is more important now than ever,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer.
It’s also important to note that those who have lost their jobs and their incomes may qualify for Medicaid — a free or low-cost health program that enrolls applicants year-round.
