Important Dates:
November 1st to December 15th – The government has reduced the number of days in the open enrollment period. Last year it went from November 1st to January 31st, that is being reduced to December 15th this year.
December 16th to March 1st – Many plans are being cancelled this year and being replaced by new products. For example, Blue Cross is eliminating all but 1 of their existing plans, so 98% of their current customer pool are having their plans replaced by a new product. Consumers that are having a plan cancelled and replaced will be allowed a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), this will allow them to pick a new plan for 2018 all the way through March 1st. Please note that the end of the month rule apply’s, meaning that you have to enroll by the end of the month to have the plan take effect for the 1st of the next month. There will not be retroactive start dates.