Americans Get 3 More Days to Enroll in ACA Health Insurance for January 1 Coverage

If you missed the original Sunday deadline to enroll in health insurance for January 1 through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, you’re in luck. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline, giving you until midnight local time on Wednesday, December 18 to sign up.

This extension offers more time for those who want ACA marketplace coverage—commonly known as Obamacare—to begin at the start of the new year. However, if you enroll after the December 18 cutoff, your coverage will begin on February 1.

ACA Enrollment Is Down This Year

Data shows that fewer Americans are signing up for ACA plans this year. New enrollments—consumers who don’t currently have ACA coverage but are signing up for 2025 plans—are down 32% compared to this time last year, according to Noah Lang, CEO of Stride, a platform that helps people find health insurance. As of December 4, CMS reported that nearly 988,000 people had newly enrolled.

This deadline extension is significant—it’s only the second time CMS has ever offered one, the first being in 2016. Lang sees this as an opportunity for uninsured individuals to act.

“This extra three days gives people time to shop,” Lang said. “Millions are still uninsured or could save money.”

Why Is ACA Enrollment Lower This Year?

Several factors might explain the decline in enrollment:

• Concerns About Political Changes: A recent survey from Stride revealed that 55% of respondents are worried about how the incoming Trump administration could impact health insurance in the future. Uncertainty around costs or coverage changes has led some people to avoid enrolling.

• No Need to Worry: Lang emphasized that for 2025, ACA plan options, prices, and tax credits are already locked in. “Coverage won’t change, and ACA credits won’t change,” he said.

• Timing Conflicts: With the original deadline falling on a Sunday night, many Americans may have been busy with holiday shopping or family activities rather than focusing on health insurance.

Will the Extra 3 Days Matter?

While updated enrollment numbers won’t be available until January, Lang believes the extension could drive a last-minute wave of signups. “Because it’s not a weekend, people may take advantage of the extra time,” he said.

Many individuals are also receiving notices about premium changes for the new year, prompting them to shop for better or more affordable plans. According to ValuePenguin.com, the average premium increase for 2025 is estimated to be around 7%.

How to Enroll Without the Hassle

For those concerned about long wait times when signing up through CMS, Lang points out that platforms like Stride can help. These tools allow people to input details like prescription needs, preferred doctors, and health conditions to find a suitable ACA plan. Enrollment can be completed directly through such sites.

If you need ACA coverage starting January 1, don’t miss this extended deadline—December 18 at midnight local time.

Medora Lee is a money, markets, and personal finance reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at mjlee@usatoday.com and subscribe to the free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every weekday.