{"id":20553,"date":"2017-10-16T14:44:02","date_gmt":"2017-10-16T21:44:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/?p=20553"},"modified":"2023-09-19T16:20:59","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T16:20:59","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-open-enrollment-for-2018-health-insurance-coverage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/blog\/health-care\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-open-enrollment-for-2018-health-insurance-coverage\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Open Enrollment for 2018 Health Insurance Coverage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Open Enrollment<\/b> is coming soon and it\u2019s time to shop for health coverage for 2018. Many people may have heard of health insurance Open Enrollment<\/b>, but are unsure of what it is and how it works. If you don\u2019t get health insurance through your work or an organization, you\u2019ll have to purchase your own coverage for you and your family, likely through the annual health insurance enrollment<\/b>. Here\u2019s what you need to know about Healthcare Open Enrollment<\/b>, the health insurance deadline<\/b>, and why you should sign up during Open Enrollment 2018<\/b>.<\/p>\n

What is Open Enrollment?<\/h2>\n

Open Enrollment is the time period when people can purchase health coverage for the following year if they don\u2019t get health insurance through their employer, their spouse\u2019s employer, or other private group. It was set up through the Affordable Care Act<\/b> (ACA<\/b>) to provide low-cost health insurance options for the public to purchase through the Health Insurance Marketplace. It is also sometimes referred to as \u201cObamacare Enrollment<\/b>.\u201d<\/p>\n

What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?<\/h2>\n

The Health Insurance Marketplace is where people who do not get health insurance through their job or cannot find a plan through a private insurer can purchase an affordable health insurance plan. It was set up through the ACA with the intention that everyone have access to low-cost health insurance. The cost of health plans within the Marketplace are determined by your annual household income and the amount of coverage you wish to purchase.<\/p>\n

When is Open Enrollment?<\/h2>\n

Open Enrollment 2018 dates<\/b> are from November 1st, 2017 through December 15, 2017. The insurance you purchase within that timeframe will be put into effect on January 1st, 2018 and will provide health coverage for you that year. If you miss the Open Enrollment deadline<\/b>, you\u2019ll only be able to purchase health insurance in the Marketplace is through Special Enrollment. Special Enrollment is available if you experience a major life change such as losing your employer\u2019s insurance, had a baby, or experience some other qualifying life event that affects your health coverage.<\/p>\n

Get a free health insurance quote online<\/a><\/div>\n

Who Should Participate in Open Enrollment?<\/h2>\n

If you are over the age of 26 and do not have health insurance through your employer, your spouse\u2019s employer, or a private insurer, you should enroll in a health insurance plan through Obamacare Open Enrollment<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Why Should I Sign Up for Open Enrollment?<\/h2>\n

Open Enrollment is the prime time for you to purchase a new health plan for the upcoming year or make changes to your current coverage to reflect your needs. There are many important reasons why you should have health insurance<\/a>, but ultimately it\u2019s made to help protect yourself financially if you ever require medical care. It should also be noted you will be penalized and fined for not having health insurance<\/a> if you don\u2019t have a plan in place before the healthcare deadline<\/b> or have a lapse in your coverage.<\/p>\n

What Do I Need to Sign Up for Open Enrollment?<\/h2>\n

When you apply for Open Enrollment, you\u2019ll need to provide information about yourself and other people in your household that you want covered in the health plan. You must able to provide the following items:<\/p>\n