Oops, I Missed Open Enrollment

Open enrollment is the yearly period when people are able to apply and enroll in health insurance. If you miss the deadline for the open enrollment period, you can only buy or choose a different plan if you qualify for a special enrollment period. Otherwise, you must wait until the next enrollment period.

However, if you or your family meets the eligibility requirements for your state’s Medicaid program or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) you can enroll at any time of the year through the state marketplace or directly with your state’s Medicaid office.

FAST FACT: If you want coverage to start by January 1, you must finalize your enrollment by the winter enrollment deadline of the year prior.

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