Open Enrollment Period for 2017 Health Insurance
November 1, 2016 thru January 31, 2017 is health insurance open enrollment for 2017.
If you miss open enrollment you could potentially face tax penalties on your federal tax return for 2017.
- Enroll or change by December 15, 2016 for coverage starting January 1, 2017.
- After January 31, you can enroll in 2017 health insurance only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Why should you shop during open enrollment?
You should shop for new coverage during open enrollment because it could save you money and help you avoid rate increases or negative changes to your benefits and coverage.
The fact is, even if you have health insurance, your current plan may not be the best choice for next year. Here are a few of the ways your health insurance plan may change in 2017:
- Cancelled plans – Some 2016 health insurance plans will be cancelled and unavailable in 2017.
- Changing subsidies – Your eligibility for subsidies may change in 2017, even if your income has not changed.
- Changing benefits and costs – Insurers can change benefits, access to doctors and hospitals, and your monthly premiums – many people will see their premiums go up by 10-20% or more in 2017!
- Changing needs – Your personal health needs may have changed since last year and changes in your family could require different benefits. If your income has changed that could affect the way you should think about deductibles and other forms of cost-sharing.
Affordable Care Act Information
