Can I Sign Up For Health Insurance After Open Enrollment?

Slide One: Getting a health insurance plan can be tricky because you only have a small window of time to make it happen. Missing that window can cause a lap in your insurance. Regardless of the type of coverage you have, you need to make sure you make all necessary changes at the right times.

Slide Two: What is the open enrollment period? 

Open enrollment is a specified window of time when you are allowed to make changes to your insurance plan or apply for an insurance plan. In most cases, you are not able to make changes if you miss the open enrollment period. Exceptions to this include having a qualifying life event, applying for a short-term medical plan, or qualifying for Medicaid or CHIP.

Slide Three: Does open enrollment apply to me? 

While many people think of Medicaid or Medicare when they hear open enrollment, many private insurance plans and plans through employers also have open enrollment periods when you can make changes to your plan. 

Slide four: What is a special qualifying event? 

Special qualifying life events include getting married or divorced, having or adopting a child, moving somewhere your former insurance will not cover you, being involuntarily dropped by your insurance company, or having a drastic change in income. 

Slide Five: What is a short term medical plan? 

Short term medical insurance is available to cover a specific period to provide coverage during periods of lapsed insurance. If you miss open enrollment and get stuck without insurance until the next open enrollment period, you can apply for short term medical insurance to get you through the lapsed period. 

Slide Six: How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid or CHIP?

Medicaid and CHIP programs help low-income people obtain health insurance when they could not afford it otherwise. Medicaid requirements vary from state to state, so you will need to check the state where you reside to see if you qualify. CHIP was designed for families with young children, who do not meet the requirements for Medicaid. Some states allow pregnant women also to be covered under CHIP.

Final Slide: Health insurance can be confusing for some, so it is essential to pay attention to your health insurance open enrollment. If you did miss that window, sites such as Health Quote Gurus make it easy to explore your coverage options.