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The Annual Open Enrollment Period is the one time of the year when eligible customers can start new coverage or make changes to existing coverage.\u00a0 The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period and the Health Insurance Annual Open Enrollment Period have different dates and serve different groups of eligible customers.<\/p>\n
Individual Health Insurance<\/strong><\/p>\n The 2018 Health Insurance Annual Open Enrollment Period<\/a> under the Affordable Care Act will begin on November 1st<\/sup>, 2017 and last until December 15th<\/sup>, 2017 for a plan that will take effect on January 1st<\/sup>, 2018.\u00a0 These dates are different than prior years and the time period is much shorter.\u00a0 Any new enrollment or change to an existing health plan must be done between these dates unless one has experienced a Qualifying Life Event which could allow for changes outside this window.\u00a0 If an Individual Health Insurance<\/a> plan is not required to follow these enrollment guidelines, the plan is likely not compliant with the Affordable Care Act regulations.<\/p>\n During the Open Enrollment Period, applications and changes to plans can be made through numerous different avenues.\u00a0 For this reason, it\u2019s always a good idea to contact an agent for guidance on the easiest ways to enroll or make changes to your health plan.\u00a0 You can speak with one of our qualified representatives for more information or assistance enrolling in a plan.\u00a0 Call our toll free number today 888-765-5400.<\/p>\n Medicare Plans<\/strong><\/p>\n The 2018 Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period will begin on Oct 15th<\/sup>, 2017 and last until December 7th<\/sup>, 2017 for a plan that will take effect on January 1st<\/sup>, 2018.\u00a0 This Enrollment Period is set up for Medicare Advantage Plans<\/a> and Part D Prescription Drug Plans.\u00a0 Both plans are offered through private insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC.\u00a0 Medicare also has other Enrollment Periods for times like a 65th<\/sup> birthday or Qualifying Events, which may also enable customers to enroll in Medicare Plans.<\/p>\n Medicare eligible customers are typically over the age of 65 or under 65 with certain disabilities.\u00a0 If a person is enrolled in Medicare, they would not also be eligible for an Individual Health Insurance plan.<\/p>\n