The annual open enrollment plan for individual health care plans is beginning soon. The 2022 Open Enrollment Period or OEP begins on November 1st and ends on January 15th. If you are looking to be covered on January 1st, you can start your enrollment period as early as November 1st. Every state is able to begin the process come November 1st, but some states have exceptions and special enrollment periods.
If you are new to applying for individual healthcare, Medicare, or dental plans, the healthcare marketplace is an extremely helpful website that encourages you to get the coverage that you need.
Open Enrollment Check List
Here are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for your open enrollment period:
- Explore the marketplace’s website and familiarize yourself with the various options that the website offers.
- See if you can forecast your 2022 earnings and cross-check it with how much money you earned in 2021. This will help you determine what and where you can save on your healthcare plan.
- Take advantage of tools and resources that help you calculate your income in order to streamline the application process.
- Gather any necessary information and documents that you may need when filling out your application.
- Familiarize yourself with the Marketplace’s help page by entering your zip code and city to see where you can find local helpers in your area.
What Information do I need in order to Enroll?
There are a few different ways that you can enroll in healthcare for 2022; either online, over the phone, or in person. However, for each of these methods, you will need a few materials to complete your enrollment. Make sure you have the following information at the ready when applying for your Individual Plan:
- Your name, address, email address, social security number, birthday, and citizenship status.
- Household size and income. Proof of income can include documentation such as a W2s, pay stubs, or your most recent tax return.
- Coverage details and premiums for any employer-sponsored plan that’s available to your household.
- Payment information that the insurer will be able to charge your premiums.
- Your doctor’s or hospital names and zip codes, to ensure that they are covered by the plans you are looking into applying for.
- A list of medications taken by anyone that will be covered under your plan.
What if I missed My Open Enrollment Period?
If you missed the deadline for open enrollment in your state, it still might be possible that you qualify for a special enrollment period. You are able to apply during a special enrollment period, or SEP, if you just experienced a qualifying life event. This could include:
- The loss of health insurance through your job.
- Any household changes; could include divorce, marriage, a death in the family, or gaining a dependent.
- Moving to a new state.
See if you qualify for a life event here. If you find yourself qualifying for a life event, you have sixty days from said incident to enroll in a healthcare plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. However, if you miss your special enrollment period, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll in your individual health care plan for 2022.
What if I am New to Medicare?
If you are new to Medicare, you need help. Call us after you download our FREE Medicare Starter Guide – CLICK HERE
If you need help with Individual Health or Medicare, will you call our office at 800-362-2809 or visit us at www.getagreatquote.com ?