If you’re looking to enroll in a new plan or switch plans in the Marketplace, a government-run website to purchase health insurance, there is typically only one time of the year you may do so. This fixed enrollment period is called the ‘Open Enrollment Period' and spans from November 1st to December 15th (dates may vary based on the year, including in 2022 when the deadline was extended to January 15th due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Please check Healthcare.gov for the most up-to-date information. Also, if you reside in a state that has its own Marketplace, your state may have its own enrollment period. You can check states’ unique enrollment periods here.
If you miss this window, you may need to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period unless you are eligible for a ‘Special Enrollment Period.’ This is applicable if you lose coverage through a qualifying life event or special circumstance such as retirement, address change, or aging off of a policy (i.e. turning 26). You typically have 60 days after the event to enroll in a new plan. If you know when you will lose your coverage, you may also have 60 days before the event to get prepared and enroll in that new plan. For a full list of circumstances that can trigger a Special Enrollment Period, check here.
While the Open Enrollment Period is the most common to enroll or switch plans, Special Enrollment Periods exist for when the unexpected happens.
Caribou can help with the process once you are ready to enroll or change your health plan. Just reach out to your advisor!
Summarize your knowledge with the below infographic:
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Learn More:
Getting health coverage outside Open Enrollment | HealthCare.gov
Last Revised October 7th, 2024