Open enrollment is the designated time each year when individuals can enroll in, change, or cancel their health insurance plans. This period typically occurs in the fall and usually lasts a few weeks. During open enrollment, you can review and select the best coverage options for the upcoming year. Outside of this window, changes to health insurance plans are generally limited to special circumstances like a major life event (e.g., marriage or job loss).
If you’ve experienced a qualifying life event you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period which is when you can make changes to your health plan outside the typical open enrollment period specifically if a qualifying life event occurred. Qualifying life events include things such as loss of essential coverage, marriage, birth of a child, permanent relocation, divorce, adoption, new foster child, etc.
Health insurance through employers, Medicare, or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace all have open enrollment periods.
Before selecting a health insurance plan or making any adjustments to your current plan, consider these factors:
By thoroughly reviewing your current or potential new healthcare plan, you can be proactive in making sure that your child receives their necessary services without disruptions. You can also make the most educated decision about your child and your family’s healthcare coverage needs.
Many people select health plans based primarily on the monthly premium, but this can lead to overlooking key factors. There are other components of a health plan including the following:
It is helpful to consider these components when choosing a plan. For instance, if a high deductible is unaffordable, a plan with a lower one, though more expensive monthly, may be more manageable.
Once you’ve selected a plan, verify ABA therapy coverage directly with your carrier, as Behavioral Innovations can only confirm coverage with an active plan number.
By reviewing your health plan and renewing your current plan or selecting a new plan, you can help to ensure that your next year’s health coverage meets your needs.
Some questions that you can ask to help you through the open enrollment process include: