October 1, 2021

photo of a stethoscope in front of a doctors lab coat

Nota del editor: Este artículo también está disponible en español.

Open enrollment season is the time of year—traditionally November—when many workers review their workplace benefits such as health, dental, vision, and voluntary benefits to choose coverage options that begin on January 1. During the open enrollment process, you can adjust your existing coverage and plan. Depending on changes to your household, you might add or remove coverage. For people who don’t have employer-sponsored coverage, November through mid-December is the period to enroll in a marketplace plan. These tips can simplify the open enrollment process.

  • Brush up on the basics to better understand common terms such as copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limits associated with health, vision, and dental coverage.
  • Learn about the difference between health coverage plans such as preferred provider organization (PPOs), health maintenance organization (HMOs), and high deductible health plan (HDHPs).
  • Make note of these important dates to enroll in marketplace coverage for 2022 if you don’t have employer-based benefits.
  • If you lose coverage during the year due to life changes or if you think you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), use this resource to check your eligibility and enroll.