On July 29, 2017, the U.S. Senate defeated a bill that would have repealed the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA remains the law of the land. DC Health Link is established in District law, locally managed and controlled, financially sound and going strong. For 2017 small businesses have 151 health plan options from Aetna, CareFirst, Kaiser and United. Small businesses can sign up throughout the year. DC Health Link has 20 private health insurance options to choose from for residents and their families from CareFirst and Kaiser Permanente. Enroll now if you qualify for a special enrollment due to a life event like getting married. You may also be eligible for premium reductions. Open enrollment for 2018 begins Nov 1, 2017. Residents can apply for Medicaid throughout the year.