What is the open enrollment period?
The open enrollment period is a specific time of year when consumers can buy health insurance. This open enrollment period is set by state and federal law and may change each year. Consumers who receive health insurance benefits from their employer may have a separate designated period when they can make plan selections.
Can I enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period?
If you have a qualifying life event—like getting married, losing a job, having a child, or losing health insurance—you may be able to enroll in health insurance outside of the open enrollment period without requesting a waiver. To learn more about qualifying life events, visit the Connector.
Also, you can enroll any time of year if:
- You qualify for MassHealth.
- You now qualify for a ConnectorCare Plan through the Health Connector after not having qualified in the past, or after applying for the first time.
- You are applying for dental insurance.
- You are a member of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native shareholder.
I am losing my current health insurance. Do I have to wait until open enrollment to enroll in a new health insurance?
Typically, losing health insurance is considered a qualifying life event. This includes losing health insurance through a job, becoming ineligible for MassHealth or ConnectorCare, or aging out of your parent’s plan when turning 26. You have 60 days from the date when you lose your health insurance to enroll in new health insurance.