A special open enrollment period on all Affordable Care Act marketplaces, including on the federal insurance exchange, HealthCare.gov, runs until Aug. 15. Many people qualify for free or low-cost plans. Credit: HealthCare.gov/Screenshot by NPR Uninsured Or Unemployed? You Might Be Missing Out On Free Health Insurance By at 9:26 am NPR If you are uninsured or you've been on unemployment benefits this year, new financial help â passed by Congress this year â means you might be eligible for free health insurance. A special enrollment period put in place by the Biden administration ends on Aug. 15, so consumers will need to act fast to sign up for one of these plans on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.