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Enrollment periods for individual and family plans

You can enroll in an individual or family health plan during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
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Open Enrollment Period

The Open Enrollment Period occurs every year Nov. 1 to Jan. 15.

Shop for a plan and enroll during this time to avoid gaps in coverage.

  • If you enroll by Dec. 15, coverage begins Jan. 1.
  • If you enroll Dec. 16 to Jan. 15, coverage begins Feb. 1.
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Special Enrollment Period

You’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period when you experience a qualifying life event — getting married, starting a family or changing jobs.

Qualifying life events require you to make changes to your current health plan.

You typically have 60 days before and/or after a qualifying life event to enroll in a new health plan.

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What is a qualifying life event?

Qualifying life events are big life changes that require you to update your health plan during a Special Enrollment Period, which can occur 60 days before or after the event. Some documentation may be required for enrollment.

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Loss of coverage

You lose health coverage if an individual or Health Insurance Marketplace plan is discontinued, you lose Medicaid or CHIP eligibility or your COBRA plan expires.

Turning 26

You turn 26 and can no longer be covered by a parent’s health plan.

Employment change

You lose health coverage through your employer or a family member’s employer.

Moving

You move to a new ZIP code or county. This includes moving to or from a school or seasonal residence.

Marital status change

You get married or divorced, causing you to lose health coverage.

New dependents

You have a baby, adopt a child or become a foster parent.

Choose your plan and enroll

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Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. C.T.

877-877-8414

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More about individual and family plan enrollment
How long is a Special Enrollment Period?
You typically have 60 days before and/or after a qualifying life event to enroll in a new health plan. If you don’t enroll in a new plan during those 60 days, you may not be able to sign up for health insurance until the next Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This could leave you without health coverage for up to a year. Check your coverage documents to confirm your plan’s life events and Special Enrollment Period.
What happens if I miss the deadline for Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period?
If you miss Open Enrollment or special enrollment deadlines, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to enroll in a health plan. You could potentially be without coverage for up to a year.
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Visit our blog for more about enrollment periods.
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