openenrollment

Open enrollment, often written as open enrollment period, is a scheduled window during which individuals can enroll in or modify participation in a health insurance plan, benefits program, or educational enrollment. The concept serves as the annual opportunity to start, change, or drop coverage, and to add dependents or adjust plan selections. Outside this window, changes are generally restricted to special enrollment events triggered by qualifying life events.

In health insurance contexts in the United States, open enrollment applies to employer-sponsored plans and to plans offered on health insurance marketplaces. Timelines vary by plan and jurisdiction but commonly occur once a year and last several weeks. During open enrollment, participants may switch to a different plan, enroll for the first time, or remove coverage. Many plans require re-enrollment to keep coverage year to year. Changes typically take effect at the start of the new plan year unless stated otherwise.

Special enrollment periods allow changes outside the regular window in response to events such as marriage, birth of a child, loss of other coverage, or relocation. Eligibility and documentation requirements vary by program.

In education, open enrollment may refer to periods during which students may apply to attend a school outside their default attendance area or district. Policies differ by district and may include capacity constraints, wait lists, and application deadlines.

Users seeking information should consult their specific plan administrator, insurer, marketplace, or school district for exact dates, eligibility rules, and procedures.