What are Key Dates for 2016 Health Insurance?

If you purchase health insurance for yourself or your family (vs. getting coverage through your employer), it is time to begin thinking about your 2016 coverage.

Here are some dates to keep in mind:

November 1, 2015.  The start of Open Enrollment for 2016 health insurance.

Open Enrollment is the time when you can apply for new health insurance coverage, or, if you already have coverage, you can choose to keep your current plan, or pick a new one.  2016 Open Enrollment is from November 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016.

November 1 – December 15, 2015. Enroll between these dates for coverage beginning January 1, 2016.  If you already have coverage and you want to change plans or your plan is changing, you must enroll by December 15, 2015 to avoid a lapse in coverage.

December 16, 2015 – January 15, 2016.  Enroll between these dates for coverage beginning February 1, 2016.

December 31, 2015.  The date coverage ends for 2015 plans.

January 16 – January 31, 2016.  Enroll between these dates for coverage beginning March 1, 2016.

January 31, 2016.  The last day of Open Enrollment for 2016 coverage.

After January 31, 2016, you will be able to purchase 2016 coverage only if you have a qualifying event that makes you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

Get an Early Start on Choosing Coverage for 2016

Each year, health insurance carriers make adjustments to their plans.  This means the benefits, options, and pricing for your current health insurance are all subject to change when the new policy year begins on January 1, 2016.

We urge you to carefully review your options to make sure you are getting the right coverage to meet your needs.

You can check out your options for coverage:

If you are subsidy-eligible and live in Virginia visit www.enrollvirginianow.com.

If you are not subsidy-eligible click here for instant quotes from several carriers in Virginia, Maryland, and DC.

But don’t wait until the last minute!  As in years past, we expect heavy call and email volume during Open Enrollment.

Please be sure to contact us early enough so we may be of assistance as you make your 2016 selection.

It’s best to reach us by phone at 703-707-8270.