Open Enrollment Period
An open enrollment period is a window of time, typically once a year, when individuals can sign up for, adjust, or cancel their health insurance plan.
What is an Open Enrollment Period?
An open enrollment period is a specific timeframe, typically occurring once a year, during which individuals can sign up for health insurance, make adjustments to their current plan, or cancel their existing coverage. This period is usually limited to a few weeks, and if missed, individuals may have to wait until the next open enrollment period to make any changes to their health insurance.
Open enrollment periods are applicable to various types of health insurance, including plans obtained through an employer, Medicare, or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. For individual and family ACA Marketplace plans, open enrollment typically runs from November 1 through January 15 in most states. Employer-sponsored health insurance plans have enrollment periods set by the employer, usually in the fall. For Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for changing coverage occurs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) allow enrollment year-round.
What is the difference between an Open Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Period?
An Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a regular, annual period when anyone can sign up for, change, or cancel health insurance. A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is granted outside of the OEP only when a person experiences a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage or moving.
Open Enrollment is a set annual time frame for all individuals to make changes to their health insurance.
Special Enrollment is triggered by a qualifying life event and allows a person to enroll in or change a plan outside of the regular Open Enrollment Period.
If an individual misses the Open Enrollment Period, they must wait until the next one unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
What are examples of an Open Enrollment Period?
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace: For individual and family ACA Marketplace plans, open enrollment typically runs from November 1 through January 15 in most states, allowing individuals to sign up for or adjust their health insurance.
Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance: Many employers offer an open enrollment period, usually in the fall, during which their employees can select or modify their health insurance coverage.
Medicare: The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, allowing beneficiaries to make changes to their coverage.
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