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Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment

Sponsored: If you’ve ever selected an insurance plan for you or your family, you’ve probably heard the terms “open enrollment” and “special enrollment.” But what do they mean? Here are some answers to your questions.

(U of U Health Plans) | Everyone is welcome.

If you’ve ever selected an insurance plan for you or your family, you’ve probably heard the terms “open enrollment” and “special enrollment.” But what do they mean? Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions.

#1. WHAT IS OPEN ENROLLMENT?

Open enrollment is a yearly opportunity to change or update your insurance plan. The open enrollment period usually lasts for several weeks to give you and your family plenty of time to make the right decision about your health insurance.

#2. IS OPEN ENROLLMENT THE SAME FOR EVERYBODY?

No. If you get health insurance through your job, your company can decide when open enrollment is each year. Medicare, individual/family plans, and Marketplace plans have open enrollment in the late fall. Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are open for enrollment year-round. You can apply at any time for coverage.  You may select or change your health plan from mid-May through mid-June each year.

Open-Enrollment-BC-Graphic2

#3. WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS OPEN ENROLLMENT?

If you miss open enrollment, you’ll have to wait until next year to change your insurance plan. That’s why it’s so important to review your plan each year and mark your calendar for open enrollment.

#4. CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO MY INSURANCE PLAN OUTSIDE OF THE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD?

You may apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time during the year.  If you would like to change your health plan, you can call an HPR (866-608-9422) to find out if you are eligible.

#5. WHAT IS A QUALIFYING LIFE EVENT?

A qualifying life event is a big life change, like having a baby or changing jobs. These life changes allow you to stop, start, or make adjustments to your insurance plan no matter what time of year. Some common life changes include:

  • Getting married or divorced

  • Death of a family member in your plan

  • Losing your current insurance coverage

  • Having a baby, adopting a child, or becoming a foster parent

  • Getting a new job

  • Other employment changes like getting laid off or retiring

  • Becoming a U.S. citizen

  • A change in your income that affects what plans you are eligible for

  • Permanently moving to a place where different health insurance plans are available

#6. WHERE CAN I GET HELP?

If you plan on getting insurance through your job, the human resources (HR) department can help you with open and special enrollment. For other plans, like Medicaid, CHIP, individual/family, or Marketplace, there may be someone in your city that can help you. To find local helpers, go to takecareutah.org or localhelp.healthcare.gov.

Getting health insurance is one of the most important steps you can take for your financial, physical, and mental health. If you have trouble paying for health insurance, help is available in Utah through takecareutah.org or at medicaid.utah.gov.

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About University of Utah Health Plans:

Like a great pair of jeans, your health plan should fit you just right. At University of Utah Health Plans, we understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach for your health benefits. That’s why we’ve created a variety of options to customize your plan.

We offer:

  • Resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

  • Member materials in multiple languages.

  • Translation services.

  • Inclusive policies.

To learn more and explore all of our health plans, visit UHealthPlan.Utah.Edu