Open Enrollment Period

What Does Open Enrollment Period Mean?

Open enrollment is the designated time of year when individuals can sign up for health insurance. If this window is missed, they must wait until the next enrollment period unless they qualify for a special enrollment due to a qualifying event.

Insuranceopedia Explains Open Enrollment Period

Medicare’s open enrollment period varies depending on the chosen healthcare plan. It includes both job-based health insurance plans and individual health insurance policies. During this time, individuals with existing Medicare plans can make changes to their coverage, including adjustments to their prescription drug plans.

Those who experience a qualifying life event are eligible for a special enrollment period. Qualifying events include:

• Losing existing coverage
• Marriage, divorce, or becoming a parent
• Moving to a different area of the country
• Changes in income
• Release from prison
• Acquiring citizenship status