(Washington, DC­­) – Uninsured District of Columbia residents have more time to enroll in health coverage for 2021. From now through the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents can enroll using DC Health Link’s Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for COVID-19. All DC Health Link plans cover diagnosis, treatment, testing, and vaccination for COVID-19 for free.

Last year, the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority (DCHBX) adopted a COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period for District residents who need health insurance through the end of the District’s public health emergency. The same flexibility was extended to employees and dependents of employers already covered through DC Health Link. The deadline for these COVID-19 SEPs will automatically extend through the end of the pandemic.

DC Health Link has made enrollment just as easy as during Open Enrollment. Residents can login to their accounts at DCHealthLink.com, select ‘COVID-19’ as the special enrollment period, pick a start date, and select a plan. If residents sign up by February 28, they can choose for their coverage to start on either February 1 or March 1. In other words, residents signing up during the COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period can have coverage effective immediately.

For information on DC Health Link Coronavirus resources, visit https://www.dchealthlink.com/coronavirus.

Background

The Affordable Care Act provides individuals, families, and small businesses in the District of Columbia with affordable options for quality health insurance. DC Health Link is the District’s online health insurance marketplace which allows people to shop, compare, and enroll in coverage that fits their needs and budgets.

Eligible District residents can enroll in a health insurance plan online through DCHealthLink.com, or by calling (855) 532-LINK [5465]. Some residents will qualify for reduced premiums. Small businesses – as well as individuals and families eligible for Medicaid – can enroll through DCHealthLink.com throughout the year.