15. What is open enrollment?

Open enrollment is an annual period in which individuals can enroll in or change their coverage for the year beginning January 1. The federal government selects the open enrollment period for the federal Marketplace, but state-based Marketplaces like the Health Connector can select a different enrollment period. In 2019, open enrollment in Massachusetts was Nov.1, 2018 to Jan. 23, 2019 for 2019 coverage. 

Enrolling outside of open enrollment or changing plans once enrolled is only allowed after a “qualifying event” creates a “special enrollment period” (SEP) during which an individual may enroll or change plans. Generally the SEP is 60 days from the qualifying event. Being found newly eligible for ConnectorCare automatically triggers a special enrollment period.