So, You're Ready to Enroll in a New Health Insurance Plan?

The Affordable Care Act changed the way insurance companies handle eligibility in the individual and family plans health insurance market. In the past, entry into an individual policy required that you receive approval to be accepted into a health insurance policy, and this was done by completing a health statement form. That is no longer the case. All individuals are now accepted no matter the condition of your health, but only during an active open enrollment period or a special qualifying event.

If you have any questions about individual and family policies, I am ready and willing to help assist and guide you to an option that will meet your needs!

When Can I Enroll in a New Plan?

Beginning November 1st, you may shop for a new policy that will become effective on January 1, 2026. Open enrollment for a January 1st effective date, closes on December 15, 2025. It’s important to know that if you’re seeking coverage for a January 1st effective date, and you are enrolling direct with a carrier, you must enroll by the 15th of the month prior to your desired start date. 

Enrollment into a new plan may also occur outside the open enrollment period, but only if you’ve experienced a new qualifying event. What is considered a new qualifying event? Marriage, the birth of your baby, the loss of coverage through your employer, or a dependent turning age 26, are all examples of life circumstances that allow you to enroll in a new plan, 1st of the month following the special qualifying event .