Open enrollment is the period during which people can sign up for or change their health insurance coverage. It is an important moment to choose the proper plan that suits your healthcare demands and budget for the following year. If you miss this window, you may have to wait until the following enrollment session or have limited options.
Open Enrollment normally runs from November 1 to January 15, however, the exact dates vary by state. Knowing the date and plan alternatives in your state will help you be more prepared when Open Enrollment begins.
Here’s everything you should know about open enrollment in health insurance.
Open Enrollment By State
| State |
Open Enrollment Period
|
| All states except those listed below | Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 |
| California | Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 |
| Idaho | Oct. 15 to Dec. 15 |
| Maryland | Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 |
| Massachusetts | Nov. 1 to Jan. 23 |
| New Jersey | Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 |
| New York | Nov. 16 to Jan. 31 |
| Rhode Island | Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 |
| Washington, D.C. | Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 |
How Does Open Enrollment Work?
During Open Enrollment, you may be able to keep your current health insurance plan or alter it to meet new coverage or pricing needs. The Health Insurance Marketplace, established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), assists you in finding health insurance that meets your needs. During Open Enrollment, you can evaluate plans based on price, benefits, and networks to make the best coverage selection for you and your family.
The Marketplace provides plans in four “metal” levels: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Metal levels differ mainly in how you and your insurance carrier split the total cost. Check for availability, as not all metal-level plans are accessible in every location.
Bronze Plan
Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premiums, but the largest deductibles. A Bronze plan is the best option if you only see your doctor for preventive care but want peace of mind in case of a medical emergency.
Silver Plan
Silver plans feature a slightly higher average monthly premium but lower deductibles than Bronze plans. If you qualify, you can save even more money with a Silver plan by getting a cost-sharing reduction.
Gold Plan
Choosing a Gold plan implies paying a higher monthly premium but a smaller deductible than a Silver plan. Gold may be the ideal plan if you need a lot of healthcare because it covers the majority of your normal medical care costs.
Platinum Plan
When you choose a Platinum plan, you will pay the highest monthly premium and the lowest deductible. While not available in all locations, Platinum may be a suitable plan choice if you require frequent medical treatment and want the maximum coverage.
How Long is the Open Enrollment Period?
Most states’ Affordable Care Act marketplace open enrollment periods last two and a half months, from November 1 to January 15. There are a few states with varying open enrollment periods.
How Can I Save on Insurance During Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment may also allow you to pay less for health insurance. In 2021, nine out of ten enrollees received financial assistance through health insurance subsidies, greatly lowering the cost of acquiring health insurance through the Marketplace.1 Learn more about health insurance subsidies and determine whether you qualify.
What Happens if I Miss Open Enrollment?
You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event. A Special Enrollment may allow you to get healthcare coverage outside of Open Enrollment.
What is a Qualifying Life Event?
Some of the most common qualifying life events for a Special Enrollment Period are:
- Getting married.
- Having a baby or adopting one.
- Losing your current health insurance.
- Getting divorced or separated.
- Experience the death of a spouse or partner who supplied health insurance coverage.
When Can I Add More Coverage, Such as Dental and Vision?
Supplemental insurance plans such as dental, vision, accident, critical illness, and hospital recovery insurance are available throughout the year, not just during open enrollment.
Receive Assistance with Open Enrollment
Anthem understands that during Open Enrollment, you may need assistance. Anthem will help you navigate the Open Enrollment process and select a health insurance plan that meets your current requirements and lifestyle.