Buying Health Insurance During the Open Enrollment Period

What is the Open Enrollment Period for Health Insurance?

The Open Enrollment Period is a period of time when you are able to enroll in a health insurance plan, whether it is for an employer plan, or an Individual and Family plan.

When is Open Enrollment Period?

The Open Enrollment Period begins November 1 and ends January 15. A plan's effective date may vary on the date an application is submitted.

What if I Don’t Enroll in a Health Insurance Plan?

If you don’t have health coverage, you won’t have the protection from health and financial risks that health insurance provides. Enrolling in a health plan means that you'll have this protection, and if you qualify for tax subsidies, you will pay less to have it. 

What if I Miss the Open Enrollment Period?

If you didn’t enroll in a health plan before January 15, you will have to wait until the Open Enrollment Period unless you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

How to Buy Health Insurance

Step One: Check if You are Eligible for a Subsidy

You may qualify for a tax subsidy from the federal government to help cover some of your costs. If you are eligible, you can choose and enroll in a health plan on the public Marketplace (also known as the “public exchange” or “on-exchange”). Medical Mutual offers plans on the public Marketplace and also offers you direct access to enroll online.

If you don’t qualify for a subsidy, you can still choose and enroll in a health plan that meets your needs. Medical Mutual offers plans available outside of the public Marketplace (these are also called “off-exchange” plans).

For help choosing your plan, both on-exchange and off-exchange, contact your insurance agent or speak to a Medical Mutual licensed agent at 1-866-488-3266. 

Step Two: Choose the Health Insurance Plan that is Right for You

There is a lot to consider when choosing the best health plan for you. You will need to see if you’re eligible for a subsidy from the federal government and estimate your costs. This includes the monthly premium you can afford and the amount of medical services you typically use. You will also want to determine what type of plan is best for you – a copay or a high-deductible plan – and what metal tier fits your needs.

Medical Mutual offers copay and high-deductible plans in different metal tiers. We are sure to have one to fit your needs. You can search our provider network to make sure your favorite doctor or hospital is included.

If you need help comparing different types of health insurance plans, review our in-depth article.

Step Three: Enroll in your Health Insurance Plan

Based on whether you are eligible for a subsidy or not, you can apply for a plan through the public Marketplace, or directly through us. To speak to a Medical Mutual licensed agent for assistance with choosing and enrolling in a health insurance plan, call 1-866-488-3266.

No matter how you choose and enroll in your plan, remember to keep these key dates in mind:

• November 1 – The Open Enrollment Period begins. This is the first day you can enroll in a plan.
• January 15 – The Open Enrollment Period ends. This is the last day you can enroll in a plan. If you don’t enroll in a health insurance plan by this day, you will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period unless you have a qualifying life event.

Please Note: To ensure continuous coverage, you will need to enroll in a plan by December 15 for coverage effective January 1.

Enrolling in a subsidy-eligible health insurance plan:
If you are receiving a subsidy from the federal government, you can choose and enroll in your plan using the public Marketplace. Be sure to gather the information on this checklist before you apply.

You can also enroll online directly through Medical Mutual. For help with choosing and enrolling in subsidy-eligible plans, talk to your insurance agent or call Medical Mutual at 1-866-488-3266. 

To determine if you may be subsidy eligible use our Tax Subsidy Calculator.

Enrolling in a non-subsidy-eligible health insurance plan:
If you’re not receiving a subsidy, you can buy a plan directly from your insurance agent or from Medical Mutual. Choose and enroll in a plan online or by calling our team of licensed agents at 1-866-488-3266.