District of Columbia · ACA Marketplace plans
ACA Marketplace plans in District of Columbia
Looking for ACA marketplace health insurance in District of Columbia? Here is how this coverage lane works specifically for District of Columbia residents, what it costs, and how to get it.
Facts on this page checked Jan 15, 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
How it works here
ACA Marketplace plans, explained for District of Columbia.
District of Columbia residents buy ACA Marketplace plans through DC Health Link. These are comprehensive plans that cover the ten essential health benefits, cannot deny you for a pre-existing condition, and are the only plans eligible for income-based premium tax credits.
Because District of Columbia runs a state-based marketplace, you enroll at DC Health Link. Plans and prices are set at the county level across District of Columbia's 1 counties, so two neighbors in different counties can see different options.
District of Columbia expanded Medicaid, so if your income is low you may qualify for Medicaid instead of a subsidized plan — the Marketplace will tell you when you apply.
District of Columbia runs a state-based marketplace (DC Health Link). Residents should enroll through DC Health Link, and plan menus are set at the county level across 1 counties.
Because District of Columbia expanded Medicaid, a marketplace application may route lower-income adults to Medicaid instead of a subsidized private plan — that is usually good news for cost.
With an approximate uninsured rate near 3.0% and a population of about 0.7 million, District of Columbia shoppers should re-check subsidies each year as income and household size change.
District of Columbia facts
- Marketplace
- DC Health Link
- Medicaid expansion
- Adopted
- Uninsured rate
- ~3.0%
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.
More in this state
Other coverage in District of Columbia.
- Health sharingMember-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 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.
Are District of Columbia Marketplace plans subsidized?
Yes — premium tax credits are available based on your income and household size, and many enrollees pay under $100/month.
Do I use HealthCare.gov or a state site in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia uses DC Health Link, its state-based marketplace — not HealthCare.gov — for enrollment and most subsidy screening.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov — the official ACA Health Insurance Marketplace · 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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