ACA · Open Enrollment

ACA Open Enrollment Guide for Insurance Agencies

How agencies prepare for the ACA Open Enrollment rush and keep working under-65 health leads through the rest of the year.

By Freedom Marketing Group · Published

ACA Marketplace enrollment is concentrated in the annual Open Enrollment Period, which on HealthCare.gov typically starts November 1. State-based exchanges may set different dates, so check each state you serve.

Open Enrollment vs Special Enrollment

Open EnrollmentSpecial Enrollment Period
Who can enrollGenerally anyone eligible for the MarketplaceConsumers with a qualifying life event
VolumeHighLower and steadier
Lead qualificationLighterMust confirm the qualifying event

Staffing for the rush

Volume can spike around deadlines. Plan extra agent hours near the end of the period and have overflow routing ready.

Responding to web leads

ACA shoppers often compare options quickly. Measure delivery and response time separately, as covered in speed-to-lead.

Calls and follow-up

Inbound calls remove the need to chase consumers during the busiest weeks. For web leads, use a defined follow-up sequence and record every disposition.

Campaign measurement

  • Cost per enrollment by source and week
  • Contact rate and response time
  • Effectuation, meaning enrollments that become active coverage

Consent and verification

Marketplace consent and verification expectations for agents have tightened. Our EDE verification article covers background. This is educational, not legal advice.

See how our ACA live transfers and health insurance leads are delivered, screened and routed to your agents.

Related resources

Educational information only; not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm regulatory requirements with qualified counsel and current official guidance.