The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a designated annual registration period for health insurance. During this time, you can renew or change your current plan or enroll in a new one.
This period is known as the Annual Election Period (AEP) for Medicare.
When is the Open Enrollment Period?
When shopping for individual health insurance for yourself or your family, OEP occurs from November 1-January 15, and coverage can begin January 1 of the following year if you enroll before December 15.
For health insurance through your employer, OEP can occur any month, but usually at the end of the year. Check with your human resources staff for details.
For Medicare, AEP runs October 15 through December 7.
Can I enroll outside of the Open Enrollment Period?
You may be able to enroll or change health coverage outside of OEP if you have a situation defined as a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Examples of a QLE include:
- Changes in employment status, such as losing your job
- Losing other health coverage
- Changes in family and household, like getting married, having a baby or adopting a child.
- Moving to a new state
- Death of a family member enrolled in your plan
Similarly, for Medicare, there are certain situations that may qualify you to enroll outside of AEP. These are called Special Election Periods (SEPs). Examples of when you may qualify for an SEP include:
- Losing other health coverage
- Moving to a new area that’s not in your current Medicare Advantage plan’s service area
- Experiencing a change to your “Extra Help” for prescription drugs
Helping you prepare for Open Enrollment season
Finding the right health plan starts with the right support. At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we understand that every member has a unique set of needs, and finding the best plan to fit those needs can be tough to navigate. Whether it’s understanding coverage, comparing options, or planning for the future, our team is committed to helping each member get the InsideTrack to a plan that fits their needs and priorities. To learn about your options, you can speak with our team by calling 800-392-2583, visiting our member portal or scheduling an appointment at your nearest ArkansasBlue Welcome Center.