Open Enrollment Timelines by State for 2024

As the year comes to a close, many businesses begin preparing for open enrollment for the next benefit year. Open enrollment is one of the most significant periods in the health insurance world. This time of year is key for countless businesses and their human resources teams. This is because it's when employees can sign up for new health insurance, switch to a different plan, or make changes to their existing plan for the next benefit year.

The open enrollment timeline for most of the US typically begins in October and extends until December, or sometimes January. There are a handful of states that have their own open enrollment periods that fall outside those months. It's also imperative to note that open enrollment may not always apply to every business and there may be special enrollment periods involved.

As a quick reminder, if you are a small business and haven't purchased health insurance before, you can get your quote and enroll at any time throughout the year. Open Enrollment is a great time to get started on a new health plan!

State-by-State Open Enrollment Periods

Open enrollment deadlines vary somewhat between each state. The federal government determines the open enrollment period and deadline across the country. Several states have their own open enrollment period that usually extends beyond the national timeline. Ensure you research the enrollment requirements based on your state of residence, or where your business is located. Below is a chart of the timelines broken down by state for open enrollment.

*Specific extended enrollment criteria for state initial enrollment date.

Extended Enrollment States

Though the government sets the guidelines for open enrollment, they also provide some flexibility to the states as to how and when they implement the open enrollment timelines. Several states have their own open enrollment period, often extending beyond the national timeline. For instance, in some states, enrollments completed by December 31 will have coverage starting January 1. Below is a list of the current 8 states that have extended enrollment periods and the specific criteria involved in these states. 

What to do if I miss Open Enrollment?

If you missed the open enrollment period for your state, you still have options. For those individuals still needing to secure health insurance, you may be able to apply for a Special Enrollment Period. A Special Enrollment Period is a 60-day window to enroll in a healthcare plan that begins with a qualifying life event. These qualifications for a Special Enrollment Period sign-up can include:

• A change in your household (including the birth or adoption of a child, a member of your household passing away, a divorce, or marriage).
• Loss of your health coverage through a life event (such as divorce, job loss, or Medicaid ineligibility).
• Permanently moving to a place with different health insurance options available.
• Aging off of a parent’s health insurance plan.
• Having a change in income or household status that changes your eligibility for tax credits or cost-sharing reductions.

Closing Remarks 

Ensure to check your individual state's rules, since the Open Enrollment Period varies by state. If you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and missed the Open Enrollment Period in your state, you may still have options, including Medicaid or COBRA options. This will ensure you have coverage for the next benefit year.

If you ever have questions, reach out to our customer service team to ensure you have options and information for the coming open enrollment period. We are here to be sure that you and your employees have the health coverage you need for the next benefit year.