When can I purchase coverage?

Different types of coverage accept enrollment at different times. Click here to see what type of coverage you might be eligible for.

Individual coverage: If you purchase coverage on your own through the individual market, open enrollment for the 2019 plan year begins on November 1, 2018, and ends December 15, 2018. Be sure to enroll early so you don’t miss the deadline. Click here to see when you can apply for health insurance using the healthcare marketplace.

Employer-sponsored coverage: Employers provide for open enrollment at different times of the year, though typically it is in the fall. Please check with your Human Resources Department for specific information regarding enrolling in your employer’s benefits.

Medicaid/CHIP: There is no limited enrollment period for Medicaid or CHIP. You can apply at any time.

Medicare: According to Medicare regulations, when you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you didn’t sign up for Part A or Part B when you were first eligible, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period between January 1 and March 31 of each year and your coverage will begin on July 1 of that year. Learn more at Medicare.gov.

Are there any other times I can purchase coverage?

Outside of the open/general enrollment periods for individual market coverage, employer-sponsored coverage, and Medicare, you may still be able to apply for coverage if you have experienced certain qualifying life events like getting married or having a baby. These opportunities are often time-limited, so be sure to act in a timely manner if you have experienced a change in circumstances. You may be required to provide documentation to prove you qualify before your coverage begins.

For more information on special enrollment periods if you have individual market coverage, please see: www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-enrollment-period.

For more information on special enrollment periods if you have employer-sponsored coverage, please contact your Human Resources Department.

For more information on Medicare special enrollment periods please see: www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-parts-a-and-b/when-sign-up-parts-a-and-b/when-sign-up-parts-a-and-b.