What’s New With the Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?
Navigate the latest Open Enrollment Period with ease. Understand key changes, prepare your information, and complete your health insurance enrollment.
The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the primary annual opportunity for individuals and families to secure health insurance coverage. During this time, people can enroll in a new health plan, renew existing coverage, or make changes to a current policy.
Understanding Open Enrollment Period
The Open Enrollment Period is when individuals can sign up for, re-enroll in, or modify health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This period is the only time most people can obtain health coverage or switch plans. An exception exists for those who experience specific life events, which may qualify them for a Special Enrollment Period. These qualifying life events include changes such as marriage, the birth of a child, or loss of other health coverage.
It provides a timeframe to compare plans, assess coverage needs, and apply for potential financial assistance. Without enrolling during this period or qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period, individuals cannot obtain Marketplace health coverage until the next annual Open Enrollment.
Key Dates and What’s Different
For 2025 health coverage, the Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov runs from November 1 to January 15. Consumers who select a plan by midnight on December 15 receive coverage that starts on January 1, 2025. Those who enroll after December 15 but before the January 15 deadline will have their coverage begin on February 1, 2025. While these dates apply to the federal Marketplace, some states operating their own marketplaces may have slightly different enrollment deadlines.
The expanded financial assistance, initially provided by the American Rescue Plan Act and continued by the Inflation Reduction Act, remains available through the 2025 plan year. This assistance helps many eligible individuals find health coverage for $10 or less per month after subsidies. These enhanced subsidies are currently set to expire at the end of 2025, which could lead to higher costs for coverage beginning in 2026 if Congress does not renew them.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are now considered lawfully present for Marketplace eligibility purposes. This change allows DACA recipients to qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to help lower their health insurance costs. The Marketplace continues to offer a robust selection of plans.
Information Needed for Enrollment
Individuals will need to provide personal details for all household members seeking coverage, including full names, dates of birth, and Social Security Numbers. For eligible immigrants, specific document numbers will also be necessary.
Accurate income information is essential for determining eligibility for financial assistance, such as premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. Applicants should be ready to provide their best estimate of household income for the upcoming coverage year, supported by documentation like:
- Recent pay stubs
- W-2 forms
- Tax returns (Form 1040)
- Social Security statements
Information regarding current health coverage, including policy numbers, and details about any job-based health coverage available to household members, even if not currently enrolled, should also be prepared. Having these documents and figures readily accessible before beginning the application can streamline the entire enrollment experience.
The Enrollment Process
Once all necessary information has been gathered, the actual enrollment process typically begins by creating an account on the Health Insurance Marketplace website, such as HealthCare.gov. This online platform is often the most efficient way to apply for coverage and determine eligibility for financial assistance. After creating an account, applicants will proceed to enter the prepared household and income information into the online application.
The Marketplace then allows individuals to compare available health plans based on various factors, including monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Plans are categorized into “metal levels” (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) to help consumers understand the balance between premiums and cost-sharing. After reviewing and selecting a plan that aligns with their healthcare needs and budget, applicants can submit their application. Following submission, confirmation of enrollment will be provided, and coverage generally becomes effective once the first premium payment has been made.