Open enrollment represents the yearly period where employees enroll in employer-sponsored insurance and healthcare plans. During this period, employees typically have the power to select new coverage, change their current benefit and coverage elections or maintain the same coverage they had prior to open enrollment. The healthcare open enrollment period is from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 15, 2023, but some states offer extended deadlines. We take a closer look in this guide.
What Are the Dates for Open Enrollment?
For most states, the open enrollment period for 2023 starts Nov. 1, 2022, and ends Jan. 15, 2023. The exceptions are California, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. (Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023); Idaho (Oct. 15, 2022, to Dec. 15, 2022); Maryland (Nov. 1, 2022, to Dec. 15, 2022); Massachusetts (Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 23, 2023); and New York (Nov. 16, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023).
Some states have created Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) to help coronavirus-impacted individuals who either missed the enrollment deadline, or lost coverage. We explore those below.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
SEPs provide health insurance to individuals who missed the yearly open enrollment period. There are eligibility requirements, though. You may qualify if you’ve lost health coverage, moved to a different location, gotten married, adopted a child or had your household income drop below a certain threshold. But eligibility requirements may vary by state.
Depending on your SEP type, you may have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time. Job-based plans must provide a Special Enrollment Period of at least 30 days.
If you don’t qualify for the SEP, you can still enroll in short-term health insurance. These plans can come with terms ranging from 30 days to three months.
Bottom Line
Open enrollment for 2023 in most states begins Nov. 1, 2022. But if you lost coverage due to coronavirus-related reasons, you may still be able to take advantage of Special Enrollment Programs (SEPs) or short-term coverage.
Tips for Saving on Health Insurance
- Traditional health insurance may not be appealing to your wallet. If it isn’t, there are other options you can take advantage of. Consider our review of the five alternatives to paying for health insurance.
- It’s easier to pay to care for your physical health when you’re minding your financial well-being. Finding a financial advisor for a check-up on your strategy can be vital to your success in this regard. It doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free financial advisor matching tool connects you with up to three advisors who serve your area.
You can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
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