Understanding Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is a time each year when people can sign up for or change their health insurance plans. Knowing when it happens and what your options are can help you get the coverage you need. The most common types of health insurance are Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and employer plans.
Medicaid
Medicaid, or AHCCCS in Arizona, is free or low-cost health insurance from the state. There is no open enrollment period, you can apply any time of the year. To qualify, you must meet certain rules about how much money you make, how big your family is, or if you have a disability.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health plan mainly for people 65 and older. Some younger people can also get it if they have certain illnesses or disabilities. Open enrollment for Medicare is from October 15 to December 7 each year.
There are different parts of Medicare:
- Part A helps pay for hospital care.
- Part B helps pay for doctor visits.
- Part D helps pay for medicine.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a plan that combines A, B, and D in one option.
People still pay some costs like monthly fees or copays and also have an opportunity to purchase extra insurance for more coverage.
Marketplace
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace has many plans you can choose from. You can sign up or make changes between November 1 and January 15. Some people can get help paying for their insurance through tax credits that lower their monthly costs.
Right now, there are talks in Congress about whether to keep extra tax credits that make plans cheaper. If those go away, plans could cost more in 2026. Even so, people should still sign up for coverage and update their plans later if the rules change.
Employer-Sponsored Plans
Some people get health insurance through their jobs. The company usually pays part of the cost. Open enrollment for work plans is often in the fall, but the dates depend on the employer.
Special Enrollment Period
Sometimes you can sign up for health insurance outside of open enrollment. This happens if something big changes in your life like losing your job, moving, getting married, or having a baby. Usually, you have 60 days after the event to enroll.
Getting Started
If you aren’t sure what types of insurance you qualify for, check out Health-e-Arizona Plus or schedule an appointment with NOAH’s Community Resources team. Our team can also help you apply for assistance programs if you have lost your coverage or can no longer afford health insurance. For help with choosing a plan that’s right for you, visit Tips for Picking a Health Plan.
