What happens if a consumer misses the open enrollment period?

If a consumer misses the open enrollment period, they may have to wait until the next enrollment period. Open enrollment is a specific time frame during which individuals can enroll in health insurance plans, make changes to their coverage, or switch plans. Missing this window typically means that the consumer will not have another opportunity to enroll until the next designated open enrollment period unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to certain life events, such as marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other coverage.

During these designated times, consumers have the opportunity to evaluate their options and make informed choices about their health care coverage. Outside of open enrollment, the standard availability for enrolling in health insurance is restricted to maintain an orderly and predictable enrollment process.