When Is Open Enrollment For Health Insurance? – Forbes Advisor

November 6, 2022

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Open enrollment is the time of year when you have the chance to sign up for health insurance or make changes to your current coverage. It’s the only time you can switch your health insurance plan, unless you experience a qualifying life event that triggers a special enrollment period. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of open enrollment for health insurance and provide you with valuable tips to make the most of this period.

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When Does Open Enrollment for 2023 Health Plans Start?

For the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, open enrollment typically runs from November 1, 2022, to January 15, 2023, in most states. However, a few states with their own health insurance exchanges may have slightly different open enrollment periods. Here’s a breakdown of the open enrollment periods by state:

Reading: When is open enrollment over for health insurance

[List of open enrollment periods by state]

What Exactly Is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is a designated period during which individuals can obtain health insurance or switch their existing plan. It allows people to review their health insurance options and select the plan that best suits their needs. The specific open enrollment period varies depending on the type of health insurance you’re considering. Let’s take a look at some examples:

ACA Market: Open enrollment for ACA plans typically runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states.
Medicare: The annual enrollment period for Medicare is usually from October 1 to December 15.
Medicare Advantage: The annual enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans begins in January and lasts through March 1 to 31.
Employer-sponsored Health Insurance: Employers have their own open enrollment periods for health insurance.

Why Does Open Enrollment Exist?

The purpose of having an open enrollment period for health insurance is to prevent individuals from only obtaining coverage when they are already sick or in need of care. If people were allowed to purchase health insurance solely when they required immediate care and then drop it once their health improved, the cost of covering the sicker members would outweigh the premiums received from healthy individuals.

Insurers rely on a balanced pool of policyholders, including healthy individuals who consistently pay premiums without requiring extensive care. This helps offset the costs of covering members with significant health issues. However, if you experience a qualifying life event such as getting married, having a baby, losing other health insurance, or moving to a new state, you may be eligible for coverage outside the open enrollment period.

How Can You Make the Most of Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment presents an excellent opportunity to thoroughly explore your health insurance plan options. Take the time to consider the following factors:

Consider Your Potential Healthcare Needs for the Coming Year

While you can’t predict your exact future healthcare needs, you may have an idea of specific medical procedures or ongoing treatments you may require. For instance, if you anticipate knee surgery, plan to start a family, or take expensive medications, it’s essential to choose a plan that accommodates those needs. A high-deductible health plan (HDHP) may be suitable if you expect a healthy year with minimal healthcare expenses, whereas a plan with higher premiums and a lower deductible might make more sense if you anticipate significant medical costs.

Compare Health Insurance Costs

When evaluating health insurance options, consider both the premiums and the out-of-pocket costs associated with the plan. Some people prefer lower premiums and higher deductibles, allowing them to pay less for health insurance while potentially paying more when they require medical services. Others may prefer higher premiums with lower deductibles for a better understanding of their healthcare expenses and to avoid substantial bills during times of medical need.

Explore Plan Design Differences

Different health insurance plans offer varying degrees of coverage and flexibility in receiving care. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans are generally more cost-effective than Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. However, HMOs and EPOs typically restrict out-of-network care and often require a referral from a primary care physician to see a specialist. On the other hand, PPO plans cover out-of-network care but usually come at a higher cost. Consider the trade-offs and decide which plan aligns best with your needs.

Check the Health Plan’s Provider Network

Ensure that your preferred healthcare providers are included in the plan’s network. Additionally, check if the network offers a wide range of specialists and other healthcare professionals in your area. This way, you can avoid having to travel long distances when seeking medical care. Remember that receiving care from providers outside of your plan’s network may result in higher costs or even full payment of the bill, depending on your health plan.

Ask Yourself These Questions When Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

To guide your decision-making process, consider asking yourself these questions:

Do I have a chronic condition that requires regular doctor visits?
Do I desire flexibility in receiving care outside the network?
Do I want to avoid the need for a primary care referral to see a specialist?
Do I take expensive prescription drugs?
Do I have a family or plan to start one soon?
Are lower premiums or lower out-of-pocket costs more important to me?
Can I afford high out-of-pocket expenses during emergencies?
Do I prefer a plan that offers virtual care?

Remember the “4 Ds” when choosing a plan—doctors, medications, diagnoses, and deductibles. Make sure your doctors are within the plan’s network, your medications are covered, key tests and diagnostics are affordable, and the plan’s deductible meets your financial needs.

If you still need assistance, consider reaching out to a licensed insurance broker or advisor who can provide guidance on the different plan offerings available in your area. Many insurers also offer local seminars to provide information about different plans and opportunities for asking questions.

Managing Open Enrollment for Different Types of Health Insurance

Here are some additional tips for making the most of your open enrollment period based on the type of health insurance you have:

Health Plans on the Marketplace

The healthcare.gov marketplace helps Americans who can’t afford health insurance or lack access to workplace plans. If you are eligible for premium tax credits and subsidies, take advantage of these cost-saving measures. It’s essential to review your options during each open enrollment period, as the available tax credits and subsidies may change based on alterations in health insurance policies and plans offered in your area.

Medicare

Medicare has three different enrollment periods. The initial enrollment period begins three months before you become eligible (usually when you turn 65) and lasts for seven months, continuing through your birthday month and ending three months after. Additionally, there are two enrollment periods each year: the Annual Enrollment Period (October 1 to December 15) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31), which permits switching from Medicare Advantage plans to Original Medicare or between different Medicare Advantage plans.

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

For employer-sponsored health insurance, your company determines when you are eligible for coverage. Some companies may offer coverage from your start date, while others may require you to work for a specific period before becoming eligible. Additionally, employers can set limitations on who can have health insurance coverage, such as requiring a minimum number of work hours or excluding spouses from the plans. Make sure to inquire with your employer about the specific dates of their open enrollment period. If your employer provides financial assistance through a health savings account or flexible savings account, consider taking advantage of these tax-free savings options for your healthcare expenses.

Medicaid

Medicaid, the federal/state health insurance program for low-income individuals, does not have a specific open enrollment period. If you meet the eligibility criteria for Medicaid, you can enroll at any time during the year.

Can You Make Changes Outside of Open Enrollment?

You can change your health insurance outside of the open enrollment period if you experience a qualifying life event. Examples of qualifying life events include adopting a child, becoming a US citizen, changes in income, getting married, having a baby, losing other health insurance, or moving to a new state. Special Enrollment Periods triggered by qualifying life events typically last for 60 days from the event date.