Released: January 29, 2019

Help Desk FAQ

What is an “open enrollment period”?

Employers and the public Health Insurance Marketplace require participants to sign up for coverage and select a plan during a specific period, typically lasting a month or so around the end of the calendar year. This is called "open enrollment." Outside this period, you can only sign up for or switch coverage if you have experienced certain qualifying life events, such as getting married or divorced, having or adopting a child, or changing employers.

It's important to be aware of the open enrollment period so that you do not miss your opportunity to get or keep coverage.