When Is Open Enrollment for 2022?
The 2022 Open Enrollment Period (OEP) begins November 1, 2021, and ends January 15, 2022, in most states.
It seems like open enrollment just ended, didn’t it? Time is certainly flying as the world begins to open up again, but now that we’re halfway through 2021, it’s time to start prepping for one of the most major events of the year: Open Enrollment.
No matter where you are in your process, here are the key dates you need to know for open enrollment 2022 to make sure you stay on schedule and, above all, compliant with health insurance regulations as we slide into the second half of the year.
What is open enrollment?
Open enrollment is the one time of the year (save for major life events like getting married, having kids, or starting or ending a job) that people can enroll in, switch, or change their current health insurance plan. People can enroll themselves as individuals or their family if they’re the policy holder responsible for the insurance of their: Spouse Partner, or Children.
What is the open enrollment period for 2022?
Private companies can set their own open enrollment periods with many choosing to do so in the fall of each year. There’s also a nation-wide public open enrollment period each year. For 2022, it begins on November 1, 2021, and ends on January 15, 2022.
When does the health plan go into effect?
Open enrollment is just the time period within which people can make changes to their health insurance plans. The changes they make — if any — don’t go into effect until the following year, which is 2022 in this instance.
Any changes or new selections made during open enrollment 2022 will take effect on January 1, 2022, which is the earliest that new healthcare coverage can begin. If your state offers open enrollment extensions beyond December 15 (aka any of the states in the list above), your new health insurance or any changes you make might start later than January 1.
What if an employee misses the open enrollment period?
Usually, there isn’t much that can be done if someone simply doesn’t complete their paperwork in time, but in some circumstances, some people may still be allowed to enroll in or make changes to their health insurance plan outside of open enrollment.
IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES SOME PEOPLE MAY STILL BE ALLOWED TO ENROLL IN OR MAKE CHANGES TO THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN OUTSIDE OF OPEN ENROLLMENT.
You may be able to work with your insurance broker to help employees who miss the deadline through no fault of their own (for example, remote employees whose paperwork got lost in the mail). Otherwise, there will have to be a “qualifying life event” in order to trigger special enrollment outside of open enrollment.
United States law defines qualifying life events as:
· The birth, adoption, or fostering of a child in the home (in this instance the employee has to choose family coverage in order to qualify).
· A change or loss of benefits or coverage through a spouse.
· The death of a spouse or a dependent.
· Marriage, divorce, or legal separation.
· Gaining or lose a dependent through child support or another court order.
My Approach
I shop all available options to best meet both individual and business needs. As I mentioned, I don’t work for any one insurance company – I work to find the most comprehensive and affordable solutions for you. I’ll present options to help you prepare for open enrollment and help you navigate any changes in qualifying circumstances.
I work to reduce the costs of premiums, deductibles and copayments. I help eliminate rising deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses by offering lower cost accident and critical illness riders. They might even put money in your pocket if something unexpected happens.
If you’re a business owner concerned about the rising cost of employee healthcare, we have options that could reduce your employee cost, and even reduce or eliminate your healthcare expenses.
The goal in today’s complex, ever-changing environment is to know that your specific needs are taken care of, so you don’t have to worry about finances if the unthinkable happens. I’ll work with you or your group to find the optimal solution.
I offer a total package of supplemental benefits: disability, dental, vision, accident, critical illness and life insurance, as well as traditional group and self-funded group plans.
My services are free and don’t end when your policy begins. I’m in your corner when you need help or have questions regarding your plan. Areas I serve Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Texas.
I offer coverage from the following nation-wide carriers.
Get a quote today!
You may be surprised at the number of options I have available. You may also be surprised that there’s no fee for my services. As an independent agent, I represent you, not insurance companies. You can contact me at 513-773-5959 any time or email me at Rneuenschwander@myhst.com.