ACA signup: it ain't over when it's over

[Update, 3/26: Yesterday's announcement that a "special enrollment period" will be granted to anyone who claims s/he tried to enroll before 3/31 underscores the year-round fluidity of enrollment outlined below.]

Anyone who's paying attention knows that March 31 is the open enrollment deadline. After that date, you can't "get covered" for 2014.

Unless, that is, you qualify for Medicaid -- or experience a "qualifying life event" such as a job loss or divorce or childbirth. That's a lot of people.

Roll on, Medicaid, roll on

Medicaid enrollment is continuous. State agencies and private-sector partners work year-round to get kids enrolled in CHIP.  Adults newly eligible in states that have enacted the ACA's Medicaid expansion can enroll year-round too. Enrollment won't be possible through Healthcare.gov, but individuals can apply through conventional channels, and nonprofits working to enroll the uninsured will continue their outreach after 3/31.