What is open enrollment?

In the United States, there is only one period throughout the year when most people can sign up for health insurance or switch plans. This period is known as “open enrollment.” 

But why can’t people choose health insurance whenever they please? For the most part, this system was put in place to discourage something called “adverse selection.” This is when only sick people sign up for health insurance, while healthy people do not. This disbalance makes health insurance a much riskier prospect for insurers, and it would make the entire industry less profitable. Of course, the ACA in its original form made health insurance mandatory, so this was something of a moot point until most states lifted health insurance mandates. 

A crucial aspect of the open enrollment period is the adherence to ACA regulations. During this period, insurers are not allowed to turn down applicants due to their health status – including any pre-existing health conditions they may have. It is this factor that makes the open enrollment period necessary. If people were allowed to buy health insurance at any time, they would purchase plans only after certain conditions manifested. The open enrollment period ensures that everyone buys health insurance at the same time – whether they’re currently sick or healthy. Otherwise, healthy individuals would not be forced to pay the cost of unhealthy people – defeating the entire purpose of health insurance. 

But the federal government still needed to provide individuals with a way to switch plans midway through the year to deal with unforeseeable changes in their healthcare needs. For example, someone might need to purchase an individual plan after losing their employment benefits. Or an individual might get married and receive new coverage under their spouse’s plan, making their own insurance obsolete. To account for these situations, the health insurance industry also has “special enrollment periods.” This allows people to change their insurance after a “qualifying life event.”

According to federal law, the open enrollment period for plans under the Affordable Care Act lasts for 45 days. Individual states may have their own unique system in place with varying lengths of time for open enrollment periods.

What qualifies as a life event?

The open enrollment period for Medicare is unique, as it begins three months before your 65th birthday – although this only applies to Medicare A and B. For all other aspects of Medicare, there is an open enrollment period every fall from October 15th to December 7th. 

Medicaid and CHIP do not have open enrollment periods, as these programs are designed to be as easy as possible for low-income families to navigate. Finally, employer-sponsored health insurance coverage has its own enrollment periods, as your company decides when and how you become eligible.

Examples of qualifying life events include:

  • Losing your job
  • Losing your employee health insurance benefits
  • Losing coverage under your parent’s plan after reaching a certain age
  • Expired COBRA insurance
  • Quitting your job
  • Having your hours reduced so that you no longer qualify for your employment plan
  • Getting divorced
  • Getting married
  • Moving to a different area where other plans are available
  • Having a baby
  • Adopting a child
  • Changes in income
  • Beginning or ending a service period with AmeriCorps
  • Becoming a member of a federally recognized tribe
  • Becoming a U.S. citizen for the first time
  • Being released from incarceration

Examples of situations that are not considered qualifying life events include:

  • Losing your insurance because you failed to pay your premiums
  • Voluntarily canceling your health insurance

How do you know when enrollment is open?

If you’re searching for a “normal” insurance plan under the Affordable Care Act, the open enrollment period lasts from November 1, 2022, to January 15, 2023. This 45-day period changes slightly from year to year, so all subsequent open enrollment periods may not occur on these exact same dates. 

In addition, the exact open enrollment period can vary from state to state. While most states are set to open their ACA marketplaces from November 1st to January 15th, you should check if your state has a slightly different system. Some states have their own health insurance exchanges and their own unique periods. For example, Idaho has an open enrollment period that occurs much sooner – lasting from October 15th to December 15th. California’s open enrollment period lasts longer than the federal period – starting on November 1st but lasting until January 31st. Maryland’s open enrollment period is shorter than average, lasting from November 1st to December 15th.

Should you switch health insurance if you enroll in an out-of-state school?

College students may need to change their health insurance for a number of reasons. Many of these individuals apply for health coverage under school health plans, which can be affordable and effective in some cases. However, school students also have the opportunity to enroll in a marketplace plan instead. In addition, school students under the age of 26 may be covered under a parent's insurance plan. If you lose your school student health plan, you may qualify for a special enrollment period – during which you can apply to be covered under your parent’s plan or your own individual marketplace ACA plan. 

Many students who move to a new state for school may need to change their insurance coverage. For example, there may be more effective or more affordable insurance options in their new state, giving them the opportunity to switch insurance providers and save money. At this point, you can wait for the open enrollment period or determine whether your change in address constitutes a qualifying life event. In many cases, it’s possible to immediately switch insurance providers during a special enrollment period.

What happens if you miss open enrollment in 2023?

If you miss the open enrollment period in 2023, it’s not the end of the world. First, determine whether you have experienced any qualifying life events that trigger special enrollment periods. You might also determine whether you’re eligible for Medicaid, since there is no open enrollment period for this program. If these options are impossible, consider the many alternatives to a typical marketplace ACA plan. 

Perhaps the most obvious option is to simply wait until the next open enrollment period. During this waiting period, you can shop around for deals and determine the most effective and affordable option for your unique needs. Don’t forget to set a reminder in your calendar so you remember to take action when the next open enrollment period rolls around. 

Of course, you’re going to have a gap in your coverage while you wait for the next open enrollment period. The safest choice is to choose some kind of temporary, short-term insurance that covers you while you wait. This is much more reliable than simply having no insurance, as you never know what kind of medical situations you will encounter even a few months from now. 

While many mainstream insurance companies offer temporary, short-term plans, you might also want to consider alternatives such as CrowdHealth. This crowdfunding platform is not the same as insurance coverage and should not be viewed as such. That being said, it does help you pay for your medical bills – providing the same basic end result as traditional health insurance coverage. 

This could be a solid choice to cover gaps in coverage while you wait for the next open enrollment period, and it can also cover gaps while you wait for Medicaid or Medicare eligibility as a retiring adult. In addition, CrowdHealth can cover gaps for employees who have lost access to their employers’ health plans. 

How does Crowdhealth work?

CrowdHealth can also serve as a permanent solution for those who need to pay their medical bills. The crowdfunding system is actually quite simple, and it involves posting your medical receipts to the platform after your bills have been paid. Next, CrowdHealth facilitates the crowdfunding process and your bills can be paid quickly and easily by other members. If your bills cost more than $500, you pay the first $500 while the remainder goes through the crowdfunding process. 

CrowdHealth is affordable, with no deductibles and monthly fees that are a fraction of most health insurance premiums. In addition, there are no doctor networks – allowing you to freely choose the best providers for your unique needs. But perhaps one of the most important benefits is that CrowdHealth has no open enrollment periods, allowing you to sign up whenever it’s convenient. 

Reach out to our team members to learn more about how CrowdHealth can help you achieve a more flexible, affordable healthcare plan.

Talk to a CrowdHealth Specialist

People Love CrowdHealth

As a physician in practice for over a decade, I'm immersed in the problems we face in healthcare. CrowdHealth is the most impactful solution to restoring the doctor patient relationship that I've seen.
Dr. Maryanna Barrett, MD
Owner of Thrive OBGYN 
Healthcare desperately needs viable alternative payment approaches. I am thrilled to see CrowdHealth leading the way.
Dr. Tanya Stewart, MD, MBA
Former Chief Clinical Transformation Officer, United Health Group
The vast majority of people in this country are enjoined in an insurance contract they never wanted. CrowdHealth aims to change the terms of this spectacularly bad contract.
Dr. Mark Napoli, MD, FACC
CEO, Cor Medical, Inc.
Everyone should have affordable healthcare options. I’m thrilled to see Crowdhealth partner with real estate agents as this is a huge obstacle in our industry.
Mallory Mundy
Team Leader, Keller Williams Southwest Market Center
I've never understood why Realtors have to pay more for quality health care just because we are entrepreneurs. CrowdHealth is providing a true solution to our community combating the high costs of traditional health insurance.
Natalie Hengel
Broker / Partner, 8z Real Estate
I am excited to see CrowdHealth help today’s and tomorrow’s entrepreneurs who now have the freedom to pursue a dream without giving up an important safety net.
Mark Strub
Broker/Owner, Strüb Residential, Compass
Healthcare desperately needs viable alternative payment approaches. I am thrilled to see CrowdHealth leading the way.
A photo of the author of the quote
Dr. Tanya Stewart, MD, MBA
Former Chief Clinical Transformation Officer, United Health Group
As a physician in practice for over a decade, I'm immersed in the problems we face in healthcare. CrowdHealth is the most impactful solution to restoring the doctor patient relationship that I've seen.
A photo of the author of the quote
Dr. Maryanna Barrett, MD
Owner of Thrive OBGYN
The vast majority of people in this country are enjoined in an insurance contract they never wanted. CrowdHealth aims to change the terms of this spectacularly bad contract.
A photo of the author of the quote
Dr. Mark Napoli, MD, FACC
CEO, Cor Medical, Inc.
As a physician in practice for over a decade, I'm immersed in the problems we face in healthcare. CrowdHealth is the most impactful solution to restoring the doctor patient relationship that I've seen.
A photo of the author of the quote

Dr. Maryanna Barrett, MD

Owner of Thrive OBGYN

Healthcare desperately needs viable alternative payment approaches. I am thrilled to see CrowdHealth leading the way.
A photo of the author of the quote

Dr. Tanya Stewart, MD, MBA

Former Chief Clinical Transformation Officer, United Health Group

As a physician in practice for over a decade, I'm immersed in the problems we face in healthcare. CrowdHealth is the most impactful solution to restoring the doctor patient relationship that I've seen.
A photo of the author of the quote

Dr. Maryanna Barrett, MD

Owner of Thrive OBGYN

ON

Related Resources

More information to get you going.

Cheap Health Insurance in Georgia: CrowdHealth Plans Provide Affordable Coverage

CrowdHealth is disrupting the insurance industry through crowdfunded health plans with no monthly premiums, deductibles, physician networks, or profits-before-people attitudes.

Share

Searching for an Obamacare Alternative? Check Out These Alternatives!

Obamacare was introduced back in 2010 with three primary objectives. In 2019, the Obamacare mandate was lifted – allowing people to choose alternatives. Some states continue to enforce Obamacare, which means that you may incur financial penalties if you refuse to get this form of health insurance.

Share

CrowdHealth Health Plans Are Top NY Private Health Insurance Alternatives

Signing up for our budget-friendly crowdfunding health plans is great for consumers looking for alternatives. Most NY state health insurance plans leave customers guessing when they'll enjoy the full benefits of their coverage.

Share

Looking for Alternative Health Insurance? Here Are Some Alternative Health Plans to Consider:

There are many notable insurance alternatives that can be more affordable and effective. Typical health insurance plans in the U.S. are regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Insurers must follow a number of guidelines when creating and selling plans within this federal-regulated insurance marketplace.

Share

How to Check if a Doctor is in Network: How to Verify Networks and Find an In-Network Doctor

If you visit providers that are out of your network, you will incur higher costs. This is why many patients in the U.S. try to check if a doctor's within their network before figuring out whether to visit them for appointments.

Share

What is Christian Health Insurance? How Christian Healthcare Helps with Medical Care

Members pay monthly fees that go towards one central pot of money. They also tend to have a pre-negotiated preferred provider network. Many health sharing plans are emerging as viable alternatives to traditional health insurance.

Share

Looking for Affordable, Cheap Healthcare? Choose the Best Health Insurance and Boost Your Health Care

Some reports state that the cost of private health insurance could rise by about 10% by 2023 - more than double the rate of inflation. The cost of prescription drugs is also rising at a staggering rate.

Share

CrowdHealth Florida Health Plans Are Fantastic Cheap Health Insurance Alternatives

Our health coverage is derived through crowdfunding efforts from a group of like-minded people. The goal of paying for health care through crowdfunding is to eliminate many of the coverage restrictions associated with Florida insurance plans.

Share

Finding Affordable Health Care (Health Insurance) – How to Choose the Best Plans for Reliable Health Coverage

Many Americans are struggling to find affordable health insurance plans. There are more options for affordable coverage than you think. Assessing your options can be a little challenging.

Share

Healthshare: Could This Be the Best Way to Protect Your Health? Share the Costs and Say Goodbye to Traditional Health Insurance

Healthshare is an alternative to traditional health insurance in the United States. There are many similarities between healthshare and a normal health insurance policy.

Share

How Medical Cost Sharing Plans Allow You to Share Your Healthcare Costs: Why Health Care Sharing Could Be Your Most Affordable Option

Health ministries are cost-sharing, crowdfunding insurance alternatives for people from all walks of life. The very first health ministries can be traced back to the early 1900s in Amish and Mennonite communities.

Share

What’s the Deal with Health Ministries, and How Do They Affect Healthcare?

Health ministries are cost-sharing, crowdfunding insurance alternatives for people from all walks of life. The very first health ministries can be traced back to the early 1900s in Amish and Mennonite communities.

Share

How to Get Health Insurance After Open Enrollment

In the U.S., there is only one period throughout the year when most people can sign up for health insurance or switch plans. During this period, insurers are not allowed to turn down applicants due to their health status – including any pre-existing health conditions.

Share

Choosing the Best Gap Insurance for Short-Term Coverage

Gap insurance is an ideal way to ensure you're protected from financial hardship in the event of a medical emergency. Gap insurance should not be viewed as a long-term insurance solution, as there are several disadvantages associated with this type of coverage.

Share

A New Way of Looking at Affordable Health Insurance Plans in Texas

CrowdHealth is looking to flip the health insurance paradigm on its head with plans are designed to help the public access essential care without breaking the bank.

Share

Affordable NY Health Insurance Coverage Through Crowdfunding

Our plans don't have huge monthly premiums or deductibles, and don't ask New Yorkers to foot huge medical bills. Instead, we leverage a vibrant community of active Members to negotiate health care expenses.

Share

Bridge Health Insurance: Why This Type of Short Term Health Insurance Offers Plenty of Benefits and Health Coverage

These insurance plans often come with no coinsurance and no co-pays. CrowdHealth uses a crowdfunding business model to provide individuals with an alternative to traditional healthcare insurance.

Share

CrowdHealth: One of the Most Affordable Healthcare Coverage Alternatives to Cheap Health Insurance in Illinois

CrowdHealth is a low-cost, stress-free alternative to health insurance plans in Illinois. Members make contributions to a health fund each month that helps pay their medical bills.

Share

CrowdHealth Plans Are the Best Alternatives to Cheap Health Insurance in Texas

CrowdHealth is a unique alternative to health insurance plans in Texas. Our health plans cover medical expenses via crowdfunding.

Share

CrowdHealth Coverage: A Fantastic Alternative for Cheap Health Insurance in Virginia

Using CrowdHealth as an alternative to VA health insurance or regular health insurance can help you save on medical expenses while also giving you more freedom when selecting care providers.

Share

Crowdfunding Plans Provide Affordable Health Insurance Alternatives in Florida

Floridians struggle to find the care they need at prices they can afford. CrowdHealth's plans provide health coverage with no networks, no premiums, no deductibles, and maximal transparency.

Share

Seeking Cheap Health Insurance in Colorado? Get Coverage Through Crowdfunding Instead

CrowdHealth is an alternative to traditional health insurance in Colorado. Our crowdfunding plan leverages the negotiating power of many to secure lower costs for each Member.

Share

One of the Most Common Insurance Questions About Health Coverage: Can I Cancel My Health Insurance at Any Time?

Open enrollment in the individual market lasts from November 1st to December 15th.

Share

What to Do When COBRA Runs Out: Your Next Steps After Coverage Ends

COBRA is geared towards American workers who lose their health benefits. This type of coverage gives them temporary coverage under their previous group plan for a limited amount of time.

Share

CrowdHealth: Make Crowdfunding Medical Bills, Health Expenses, and Medical Costs Easy

CrowdHealth is a true alternative to the current health insurance system. Submitting your medical bills to CrowdHealth will recoup your costs. We are network-free, letting you and your family visit any provider you want. Even signing up is a simple process. Your monthly membership includes a care advocate that negotiates large health bills for you.

Share

Healthcare Simplified

Sign up for just 
$50/month

Get access to our entire suite of tools that effectively and affordably helps you navigate the complex health care system.

Connect with our team of Member Care Specialists

Whether you need help finding a doctor, negotiating health bills, or getting your bills crowdfunded, our team of health care experts are on your side every step of the way.

Tap into the power of the crowd

Our community helps each other pay for medical bills instead of lining insurance companies pockets. You know exactly where your money goes with CrowdHealth.

CrowdHealth vs "Affordable" Insurance

CrowdHealth is not insurance. We are a completely new and innovative solution to paying for healthcare. We value community and transparency over profit. Can your insurance company make that claim?

Have Questions?

Talk to a CrowdHealth Specialist.