In previous blogs and newsletters, I have outlined what the fourth quarter entails for individuals seeking health insurance. Whether you were under age 65 looking for a qualified life event or whether you were over 65 looking to make sure your prescription drug plan was suitable to your needs, so check back to my previous blogs for that. Throughout the year, there are qualified life events called special enrollment periods that give you a window of time to make changes on your current coverage outside of the open enrollment period. So, let me help you get this straight.

A special enrollment period (SEP) qualifies you for a window of time to make changes to your insurance. I have provided a link that I feel is quick and easy for you to refer to that has the life events and the time period in which you have to apply as well as the effective date. I realize this can be confusing when you’re not in the business, so please give me a call sooner rather than later, because the clock starts ticking on the day of your event. Sometimes people have good intentions and their window of opportunity disappears.

Open enrollment for individuals under age 65 starts November 1. This is the first day that you can enroll in a plan for an effective date of January 1, 2016. We should have 2016 rates available anytime. December 15 is the last day that you have to enroll in or change your plan for next year. January 15, 2016 is the last day to enroll in or change your plans for new coverage to start February 1.

Because this is confusing, I’m attaching a government link that seems to spell it out about as quick and easy. Bottom line is call me, let’s see where you are with your plan. If you want to make changes, now is the time. The more time you give yourself, the better the job I can do for you.