Everything You Need to Know About Open Enrollment

Are you ready for open enrollment? It’s that time of year when you have the opportunity to review and make changes to your health insurance plan. To help you navigate this important period, we’ve compiled a list of the top five frequently asked questions about open enrollment in 2023. Let’s dive in!

1. When is open enrollment?
In Pennsylvania, open enrollment for individual health coverage typically runs from November 1 through January 15. The timing of open enrollment can vary depending on the organization or employer. It’s crucial to check with your specific company or health insurance provider to determine the exact dates of the open enrollment period 3. Mark your calendar and make sure you don’t miss this important window to make changes to your coverage.

2. Has there been a change in providers?
During open enrollment, it’s essential to inquire about any changes in health insurance providers. This includes checking if there are any changes in the network of doctors and hospitals covered by the plan, as well as any changes in prescription drug coverage2. Staying informed about these changes will help you ensure that your preferred healthcare providers and medications are still covered under your plan.

3. What are the limits?
Understanding the limits of your health insurance plan is crucial for managing your healthcare costs. Take the time to review the maximum out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles, copayments, and coverage limits for various services and treatments2. This knowledge will help you plan your healthcare expenses and avoid any unexpected financial burdens.

4. Can employees make changes to their health insurance outside of open enrollment?
In general, changes to health insurance plans can only be made during the open enrollment period. However, certain life events, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage, may qualify individuals for a special enrollment period1. During this special enrollment period, you can make changes to your health insurance outside of the regular open enrollment period. It’s important to understand what qualifies as a qualifying event and how it may impact your ability to make changes to your health insurance plan.

5. What is a qualifying event?
A qualifying event is a life event that allows individuals to make changes to their health insurance outside of the regular open enrollment period. Examples of qualifying events include getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage1. It’s crucial to understand what qualifies as a qualifying event and how it may impact your ability to make changes to your health insurance plan.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or financial advice. Please consult with your HR department or health insurance provider for specific details and guidance regarding open enrollment.

Sources:
1.HealthCare.gov – Special Enrollment Opportunities
2.eHealth – Open Enrollment Period 2023: What you need to know
3.Take Command Health – The official 2023 Open Enrollment Guide and FAQs

We’re committed to providing exceptional support, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Total Benefit Solutions health insurance specialists at (215)-355-2121. We’re here to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.