Enrollment Period Rules

Enrollment period rules determine when you can sign up, change, or cancel your health insurance. The most common is the Open Enrollment Period, a set time each year to enroll or make updates. Outside this time, you typically need a qualifying life event—like losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby—to enroll or modify your plan. Special Enrollment periods also provide limited windows for enrollment due to specific life changes. These rules ensure coverage is obtained or adjusted at appropriate times and help prevent unnecessary gaps or overlaps.