ACA health insurance
Missed an ACA premium payment? How the grace period works
If you receive advance premium tax credits and miss a payment, you generally have a three-month grace period. After the first month, your insurer may hold claims, and if you do not catch up, coverage ends retroactively.
How it goes
- Month one: your coverage continues and claims are paid.
- Months two and three: the insurer may pend claims until you catch up.
- If you do not pay all past-due premium by the end of the grace period, coverage ends, back to the end of the first month.
- Without advance savings, the grace period is generally shorter and set by your state.
What to do
Pay what is past due as soon as you can, and ask the insurer to confirm your coverage is active. If you cannot pay, ask about your options before the grace period runs out.
Have this ready when you call
- Your insurance card and member ID
- Your most recent billing statement
- The date of your last payment
Common questions
Can I enroll in a new plan if I lose coverage for non-payment?
Losing coverage for not paying a premium does not usually open a special enrollment period. You may have to wait for open enrollment.
Will my doctor be paid during the grace period?
In the first month, yes. After that, claims may be held, which can cause your doctor to bill you.
Related answers
Rather talk it through?
Call 855-367-1095 and a licensed agent will go through your situation with you. There is no charge to ask, and no obligation to enroll.
- Licensed insurance help
- No guaranteed eligibility, pricing, or availability
- Educational starting point
Information on this site is educational and does not guarantee eligibility, enrollment, pricing, or availability. It is not a recommendation to buy any specific plan or policy.