State guide
Health Insurance in District of Columbia
Health insurance in District of Columbia is available through DC Health Link, the state-based marketplace, along with health sharing, short-term plans, Medicare, and supplemental coverage. About 3.0% of District of Columbia's roughly 0.7 million residents are uninsured. District of Columbia expanded Medicaid, so low-income adults may qualify for free or low-cost coverage. Prices and plan choice vary across the state's 1 counties, so where you live matters. Use the guides below to find the right lane for your situation.
Facts on this page checked Jan 15, 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
Key facts
District of Columbia, at a glance.
- Marketplace
- DC Health Link
- State-based enrollment platform
- Medicaid expansion
- Adopted
- Low-income adults may qualify for Medicaid.
- Uninsured rate
- ~3.0%
- Approximate share of residents without coverage (KFF/Census).
- Counties
- 1
- Plan availability and pricing vary by county.
- Population
- ~0.7M
- U.S. Census estimate.
Approximate figures from the sources listed at the end of this page.
Open enrollment 2027
When District of Columbia can enroll.
- Opens
- Nov 1, 2026
- Sun
- For Jan 1 coverage
- Check the exchange
- DC Health Link sets this date
- Last day to enroll
- Jan 31, 2027
- Sun
District of Columbia runs its own exchange. These dates come from a secondary source (healthinsurance.org, Aug 2026). Confirm with DC Health Link before you rely on a date. Outside this window, a qualifying life event (a move, a new baby, losing other coverage) can open a Special Enrollment Period.
Medicare is different.Medicare’s annual enrollment runs Oct 15 to Dec 7, 2026. For Medicare help, visit our sister site OLYRON Medicare or Medicare.gov.
Dates checked Oct 15, 2026. Sources: HealthCare.gov: dates and deadlines; CMS statement, Jul 27, 2026.
Coverage lanes
Explore in District of Columbia.
- ACA Marketplace plansSubsidy-eligible major-medical plans sold on the exchange.
- Health sharingNot insuranceMember-funded medical cost sharing — not insurance.
- Short-term plansTemporary coverage to bridge a gap — limited benefits.
- MedicareOriginal Medicare, Advantage, and Medigap for 65+ and eligible.
- MedicaidFree or low-cost coverage based on income and household.
- DentalStandalone and bundled dental coverage options.
- VisionEye exams, glasses, and contacts coverage.
- TelehealthVirtual primary and urgent care memberships.
Questions
Good questions, short answers.
When is open enrollment for 2027 coverage in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia runs its own exchange, DC Health Link. Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027, according to a secondary source; confirm the dates with DC Health Link. A qualifying life event (a move, a new baby, losing other coverage) opens a Special Enrollment Period at other times of year.
Where do I buy health insurance in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia residents enroll through DC Health Link. You can also buy off-Marketplace plans, health sharing, or supplemental coverage directly.
Is Medicaid available in District of Columbia?
Yes. Because District of Columbia expanded Medicaid, adults under a certain income may qualify regardless of family status. Eligibility is based on income and household size.
How much does health insurance cost in District of Columbia?
It depends on your age, county, plan tier, and — most importantly — whether you qualify for a subsidy. Many District of Columbia enrollees pay well under $100/month after ACA premium tax credits. Use our calculators to estimate your cost.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov — the official ACA Health Insurance Marketplace · reviewed 2026-01-15
- KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) — health policy research · reviewed 2026-01-15
- U.S. Census Bureau — health insurance coverage data · reviewed 2026-01-15
- CMS Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight (marketplace types) · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15
Before the rush
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