Federal rules govern when people can apply for health insurance through the open enrollment process. Depending on the type of health plan you’re buying, the open enrollment period can vary. Here’s the breakdown for 2018:
• MDA Health Plan:
Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 for benefits effective Jan. 1, 2018.
• Medicare Open Enrollment Individual Medicare supplemental plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans and prescription drug cards:
Oct. 15–Dec. 7, 2017. All changes/enrollments are effective Jan. 1, 2018.
• Group health plans:
Plans can be started by employers at any time.
• Individual health plans such as MyBlue or subsidized health plans purchased through the online Marketplace:
Nov. 1 through Dec. 15.
Apply Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 for a Jan. 1 effective date.