State Specific Deadlines and Extensions for ObamaCare 2021 Open Enrollment


Some states have extended deadlines different from the federal deadline for ObamaCare. Below are the state-based deadlines for 2021 for marketplace coverage.

Please double-check the official state-based websites and the federal marketplace HealthCare.Gov to confirm extensions each year, as some extensions are subject to change.

Open enrollment ran from November 1, 2020 – December 15, 2020, unless otherwise noted.

  • California: October 15, 2020 through January 31, 2021. This a permanent extension.
  • Colorado: November 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021. This a permanent extension.
  • Connecticut: November 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021.
  • Idaho: November 1, 2020 through Dember 31, 2020.
  • Massachusetts: November 1, 2020 through January 23, 2021. This a permanent extension.
  • Minnesota: November 1, 2020 through December 22, 2020.
  • Nevada: November 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021.
  • New Jersey: November 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021.
  • New York: November 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021.
  • Pennsylvania: November 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021.
  • Rhode Island: October 15, 2020 through December 31, 2021.
  • Washington DC: November 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. This a permanent extension.

When Will Coverage Start With Extended Enrollment? In general, if you enroll after December 15th your coverage will start February 1st, and if you enroll after February 15th your coverage will generally start March 1st. With that said, some states who extend enrollment will have different rules. For example, in Idaho, if you enroll by December 31st your plan starts January 1st. Meanwhile, in California, enrolling after January 15th means your coverage won’t start until March 1st. Check your state’s health insurance website for details.

Where Can I find my state’s ObamaCare website? All state websites can be found through HealthCare.Gov’s home page. When you got the site you’ll get to pick your state. If your state has its own exchange, you’ll be taken to it.

Other states may be subject to extension in 2021. States with state-run exchanges can issue last-minute extensions, and the federal government can issue an extension for all states using the federal marketplace as well.

Author: Thomas DeMichele

Thomas DeMichele is the head writer and founder of ObamaCareFacts.com, FactsOnMedicare.com, and other websites. He has been in the health insurance and healthcare information field since 2012. ObamaCareFacts.com is a...

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