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. All changes/enrollments are effective Jan. 1, 2018.

Group health plans:
Group plans can be started by employers at any time throughout the year. However, small group health plans require a 30 day lead time and are effective on the first of the following month. For a Jan. 1 effective date, a lead time of 45 days is required.

Individual health plans such as MyBlue or subsidized health plans purchased through the online Marketplace:
Apply Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 for a Jan. 1 effective date.
 

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