Bcbs Open Enrollment Dates and Plan Options

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Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) open enrollment dates vary by state, but generally occur once a year, typically from November to December.

Some states offer a special enrollment period, which allows individuals to enroll in a BCBS plan outside of the regular open enrollment period.

BCBS offers a range of plan options, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) options.

These plan options often vary by state, so it's essential to check the specific plans available in your area during open enrollment.

Open Enrollment Basics

Open Enrollment is an annual enrollment event that happens every year, allowing you to pick a new plan or update your individual and family health insurance without going through a life change.

The Open Enrollment Period typically begins on November 1 and ends on January 15.

To update or enroll in a new plan, you'll want to consider your health spending from last year and estimate your medical expenses and budget.

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You can use a find a plan tool to review plan details and compare different options.

There are a few ways to enroll or renew your coverage, including using an online sign-up form, online renewal form, or enrollment form (PDF).

If you qualify for subsidies, you can enroll in health plans through Vermont Health Connect.

Eligibility and Requirements

During Open Enrollment, anyone can enroll in an individual and family health insurance plan between November 1 and January 15.

You're automatically eligible to compare your options and choose a health insurance plan during this time.

If you've gone through a qualifying event within the last 60 days, you can enroll in a plan through Special Enrollment.

You may need to submit documents proving the date of your life event, such as turning 26 or getting let go from your job.

Special Enrollment exists to help you update your plan when your life and needs change.

You can only enroll in a plan through Special Enrollment if you've experienced a qualifying event, like losing coverage or having a life event coming up in 60 days or less.

Important Dates and Deadlines

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Open Enrollment typically begins on November 1.

During Open Enrollment, you have until January 15 to enroll in a plan.

To get coverage that starts January 1 of the upcoming year, make sure you enroll by December 15.

If you're enrolling during Special Enrollment, you normally have a 60-day deadline to enroll in a plan after going through a life event.

In some cases, you can enroll up to 60 days before your life event.

If you've gone through a qualifying life event and didn't miss your 60-day deadline, you can enroll any day of the year.

Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

In most cases, your health insurance coverage won't start the day you enroll in a plan. If you're enrolling during Open Enrollment, your coverage will begin February 1 if you enroll between December 15 and January 15.

Enrollment and Plan Options

Enrolling in a new plan can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

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To start, consider your health spending from last year, including any medical expenses you incurred. This will help you estimate your budget and make informed decisions about your plan options.

Use our find a plan tool to review plan details, and give careful consideration to factors such as coverage, premiums, and network providers. You can also use our comparison chart for a quick glance at plan details.

Now that you've estimated your budget and spending and found the right plan, it's time to enroll or renew your coverage. If you qualify for subsidies, you can enroll in our health plans through Vermont Health Connect.

If you don't qualify for subsidies, you have a few options for completing the enrollment process. You can use the online application, online renewal form, or enrollment form (PDF) to enroll in a new plan.

Here are the enrollment options:

  • Online Sign-Up Form
  • Online Renewal Form
  • Enrollment Form (PDF)

Remember, by clicking the enrollment options, you are acknowledging that you will not receive any premium assistance through Vermont Health Connect, and may end up paying more for your health coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get health insurance after open enrollment closes?

Enroll in health insurance outside of Open Enrollment by experiencing a qualifying life event, such as marriage, divorce, or job loss, which triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allowing you to enroll within 60 days

Colleen Boyer

Lead Assigning Editor

Colleen Boyer is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling storytelling. With a background in journalism and a passion for complex ideas, she has built a reputation for overseeing high-quality content across a range of subjects. Her expertise spans the realm of finance, with a particular focus on Investment Theory.

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