Open enrollment for health insurance typically occurs annually, allowing individuals and families to sign up for health insurance or make changes to their existing plans. The open enrollment period is an opportunity to:
- Enroll in a new health insurance plan: Individuals without health insurance can sign up for a plan during this time.
- Renew or change existing coverage: Those with existing health insurance plans can renew them or make changes to their coverage, including switching plans.
- Apply for subsidies: Eligible individuals can apply for premium tax credits and other subsidies to reduce the cost of health insurance.
The federal open enrollment period for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) typically runs from November 1 to December 15 each year. Some state-based marketplaces may have different open enrollment periods, so it’s important to check the specific dates for your state.
Outside of the open enrollment period, individuals can typically enroll or make changes to their health insurance coverage under certain qualifying life events. These events, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage, trigger a special enrollment period during which individuals can sign up for or change their health insurance plans.
It’s crucial to stay informed about the open enrollment period for your state and take advantage of this time to ensure you have appropriate health insurance coverage for yourself and your family.