Individual and Family Health Insurance Enrollment Periods

Open Enrollment Period: Nov. 1 - Jan. 15 Annually

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the yearly period when anyone can enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan, regardless of the existence of prior coverage. However, you must enroll by Dec. 15 for your health plan to be effective on Jan. 1. 

Once you are enrolled in a Marketplace plan, you will have to re-apply for coverage each fall during the Open Enrollment Period to reset your tax credit, if applicable. You will also have the option to choose a new plan for the following year, if desired.

During the OEP, our expert advisors can help you find a Marketplace health plan for the first time or re-evaluate existing coverage to ensure it meets your needs for the following year.

Special Enrollment Period 

Outside of the Open Enrollment Period, you can only enroll in or change Marketplace health insurance plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), based on certain life changes or your estimated household income. 

Examples include: 

Loss of health coverage: 

You may qualify for a SEP if you or anyone in your household lost qualifying health coverage in the past 60 days OR expects to lose coverage in the next 60 days. (This does not include loss of coverage from a short-term plan or voluntary disenrollment from COBRA before its expiration.) 

Changes in household: 

You may qualify for a SEP if in the past 60 days you or anyone in your household:

• Got married
• Had a baby, adopted a child, or placed a child for foster care 
• Got divorced or legally separated and lost health insurance 
• Died, which causes you to lose your current health plan 

Changes in residence: 

You may qualify for a SEP if you move to: 

• A new home in a new ZIP code or county 
• The U.S. from a foreign country or United States territory 

Or, move to or from: 

• The place you attend school (if you're a student) 
• The place you both live and work (if you're a seasonal worker) 
• A shelter or other transitional housing 

Change in income 

Change in status, such as:

• Becoming a U.S. citizen 
• Being denied Medicaid/CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
• Gaining lawful presence in the U.S. 
• Released from incarceration 

Visit healthcare.gov for more information.

We're Here to Help

Our experienced advisors can help you find, renew, change, or update a Marketplace health plan during the Open Enrollment Period. In addition, we can explain the qualifications for a Special Enrollment Period and help you apply.