In most states, the 2022 Open Enrollment Period for health insurance begins on November 1, 2021, and ends on January 15, 2022.

The table below shows the OEP dates for states that use the federal ACA (Affordable Care Act) exchange. Insurance coverage will begin on January 1. If you have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), the program will start on the first day of the month following your registration. For example, if you sign up for a plan on February 15, your health coverage will be effective March 1. 

When is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance on Healthcare.gov?

You can enroll in, renew or change your 2022 Marketplace health insurance plan right now. The 2022 Open Enrollment Period (OEP) lasts from November 1, 2021, to January 15, 2022.

• November 1, 2021: Open Enrollment has started- the first day to register, renew, or modify a 2022 coverage plan through the Marketplace health insurance.
• December 15, 2021:  Last day to sign up or change plans for 2022 coverage, which begins on January 1, 2022
• January 1, 2022: 2022 health coverage begins if you signed up before December 15, 2021, and paid your first insurance premium. 
• January 15, 2022: It is the last day to register or adjust plans for 2022 coverage. After this date, you can only sign up or renew plans if you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
• February 1, 2022: 2022 health plan begins if you enlisted by January 15 and you have paid your first insurance premium.

If you are new to Marketplace coverage and want to enroll in a health plan, you can apply through Insurance Shopping. We will help you find the best insurance plan in line with your healthcare needs. 

What Happens if You Join After the New Year?

Remember that if you apply for health insurance after December 15, your coverage will likely begin on February 1 or February 15 rather than January 1. 

You should also keep track of when your insurance premiums are due. Your coverage will not begin until you have paid your first premium. It’s essential to stay updated with your monthly premium payments to avoid coverage gaps or cancellations. 

What Should You Do If You Missed Open Enrollment?

If you overlook or miss the Open Enrollment Period, you won’t be able to sign up for a new health plan or renew your current insurance for the remainder of the year. Nevertheless, if you’ve had significant life changes, you will be eligible to buy the insurance policy during a 2-month Special Enrollment Period.

These life changes are known as “qualifying life events.” It includes getting married, adopting a child, having a baby, losing health insurance due to divorce or legal separation, turning 26 and aging out of a parent’s health insurance plan, losing a job, or moving to a new state.

If you haven’t had a qualifying event and are left without insurance coverage, you can apply for a short-term health insurance plan. These plans provide far less coverage than policies governed by the Affordable Care Act require (Obamacare). Nonetheless, their limited, primarily emergency benefits might be sufficient to meet some of your healthcare needs. 

Conclusion

If you don’t qualify for a SEP and don’t want to apply for a short-term health plan, you’ll need to wait until fall 2021 for Open Enrollment 2022.

Insurance Shopping can assist you in determining whether you are eligible for a SEP and finding an individual insurance plan that meets your needs. You can shop, compare and sign up for a health plan by calling us at +1 855-913-1570.