Understanding Open Enrollment

What is Open Enrollment?

The health insurance open enrollment period (OEP) is the time frame set by employers, health insurance companies, and the government's Health Insurance Marketplace^® for signing up for a health plan, renewing your current plan, or switching to a new plan.

The open enrollment period happens once a year. It ensures you have access to continuous health plan coverage and services. It's also an opportunity to change your plan to one that best fits your needs for the next year.

When is Open Enrollment?

If you buy insurance yourself, the federal open enrollment period typically runs from November 1 to January 15. If you get insurance through your employer, the timeline depends on your company, but it's typically in the fall.

If you miss the open enrollment period, you may have to wait until next fall. Or you may qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP)[D] based on certain life events in the last 60 days. Qualifying events include losing your health insurance, getting married, having a baby, getting divorced, or becoming legally separated.

How to complete the enrollment process

If you're buying your health plan yourself, you'll enroll by completing and submitting an application directly with an insurance company or through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Make sure to enroll by the Open Enrollment deadline.

After you're approved, you'll get more information about your plan, like how to pay your premium and a booklet that explains your benefits.

If you get your insurance through your employer, you'll enroll through them. You can get more information about enrolling in health insurance through your company by contacting your human resources department.