Are you ready for open enrollment? If you’re not sure what that is, you’re in the right place. Open enrollment is the period when you can sign up for health insurance or make changes to your existing coverage. This happens once a year, typically in the fall, and lasts for a limited time. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the open enrollment period for 2020.
When is the Open Enrollment Period for 2020?
The open enrollment period for 2020 begins on November 1, 2019, and ends on December 15, 2019. This means you’ll have just over 6 weeks to enroll in or make changes to your health insurance coverage for the following year. It’s important to note that if you don’t sign up during this time, you may not be able to get coverage until the next open enrollment period, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
A special enrollment period is a time outside of the open enrollment period when you may be able to enroll in or change your health insurance coverage. This can happen if you experience certain life events, such as losing your job, getting married, or having a baby. If you experience a qualifying life event, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period of 60 days to sign up for health insurance or make changes to your existing coverage. It’s important to note that not all life events qualify for a special enrollment period, so be sure to check with your health insurance provider to see if you’re eligible.
What Types of Health Insurance Are Available During Open Enrollment?
During open enrollment, you’ll have the opportunity to enroll in or change your health insurance coverage for the following year. There are several different types of health insurance available, including:
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
- Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
- Point of Service (POS)
What is an HMO?
An HMO is a type of health insurance plan where you choose a primary care physician who coordinates all of your healthcare needs. You’ll need to get a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist, and you’ll typically only be covered for care provided by doctors and hospitals in your HMO’s network.
What is a PPO?
A PPO is a type of health insurance plan that allows you to see any doctor or specialist without a referral. You’ll typically pay more for care provided by doctors and hospitals outside of your PPO’s network, but you’ll have more flexibility and choice when it comes to your healthcare providers.
What is an EPO?
An EPO is a type of health insurance plan that combines some of the features of both HMOs and PPOs. Like an HMO, you’ll need to choose a primary care physician and get a referral to see a specialist. However, like a PPO, you may be able to see doctors and specialists outside of your EPO’s network without a referral, although you’ll typically pay more for that care.
What is a POS?
A POS is a type of health insurance plan that combines some of the features of both HMOs and PPOs. Like an HMO, you’ll need to choose a primary care physician and get a referral to see a specialist. However, like a PPO, you may be able to see doctors and specialists outside of your POS’s network without a referral, although you’ll typically pay more for that care.
How Do I Sign Up for Health Insurance During Open Enrollment?
There are several ways to sign up for health insurance during open enrollment, including:
- Enrolling online through healthcare.gov
- Enrolling over the phone by calling the healthcare.gov call center
- Enrolling in person by visiting a healthcare.gov enrollment center or a local health insurance agent
It’s important to note that if you currently have health insurance through your employer or another source, you may not need to enroll through healthcare.gov. Check with your employer or health insurance provider to see if you need to enroll, and if so, what your options are for doing so.
What Happens If I Don’t Sign Up For Health Insurance?
If you don’t sign up for health insurance during the open enrollment period or qualify for a special enrollment period, you may face a penalty. The penalty for not having health insurance varies depending on your income and other factors, but it can be significant. In addition, if you don’t have health insurance, you may be responsible for paying for any healthcare expenses you incur out of pocket, which can be extremely expensive.
Conclusion
The open enrollment period for 2020 is just around the corner, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to enroll in or make changes to your health insurance coverage for the following year. Be sure to explore your options and choose the plan that’s right for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the open enrollment period for 2020?
- A: The open enrollment period for 2020 is from November 1, 2019, to December 15, 2019.
- Q: What types of health insurance are available during open enrollment?
- A: There are several different types of health insurance available during open enrollment, including HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and POS plans.
- Q: How do I sign up for health insurance during open enrollment?
- A: You can enroll online, over the phone, or in person by visiting a healthcare.gov enrollment center or a local health insurance agent.
- Q: What happens if I don’t sign up for health insurance during open enrollment?
- A: If you don’t sign up for health insurance during open enrollment or qualify for a special enrollment period, you may face a penalty and be responsible for paying for any healthcare expenses out of pocket.
References:
1. https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/open-enrollment-period/
2. https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-enrollment-period/
3. https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/plans-categories/
4. https://www.healthcare.gov/how-to-enroll/
5. https://www.healthcare.gov/fees/fee-for-not-being-covered/