Upcoming 2024 Plan Year Open Enrollment Dates

Accessing the right level of healthcare coverage at a price that’s right for you helps ensure you can access the healthcare you need when you need it. While searching for the best health insurance plan for you and your family can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. 

At Health Plans of NC, we can help you choose an affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan. We can also explain how open enrollment periods work and when enrollment starts in 2024. 

What Are Open Enrollment Periods?

Open Enrollment Periods (OEPs) allow you to enroll in a health care insurance plan. It’s the only time of year you can adjust your health insurance plan, choose a new one, or cancel it. If you miss it, your healthcare coverage options will be limited. 

In North Carolina, the dates are November 1 to January 15 for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual and family plans for plan year 2024.

Your coverage usually starts January 1 if you enroll before December 15. If you enroll after December 15, your coverage begins February 1. 

Important Dates for 2024

• ACA Health Insurance Open Enrollment: November 1 to January 15 for North Carolina

• Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 to December 7

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 to March 31

What Happens if You Miss Enrollment?

If you miss the OEP, it can mean different things depending on your situation.

For example, if you already have insurance through your workplace or an individual health insurance plan, your coverage will roll over to the following year. But you won’t be able to make any changes until the next OEP.

The only exception is if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to make plan changes or enroll mid-year. You can only be eligible if you meet certain life events, such as having a baby or separating from your spouse. 

You can still seek to arrange supplemental health insurance for dental, vision, accident, disability, or critical care. Another option is to purchase short-term coverage, which helps to bridge the gap between enrollment periods.

Enrollment Requirements (For Employers)

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), applicable large employers, known as ALEs, need to provide an annual enrollment period for full-time employees. 

For employers not covered by ALEs, an annual open enrollment period might still apply. This will depend on the employer’s health insurance carrier or collective bargaining agreement. Check with your employer to find out more.

Medicare Options

There are also a few options to consider if you’ve missed the OEP and are eligible for Medicare. They all have advantages and disadvantages to consider. 

We recommend getting some professional advice from an experienced local health insurance broker. Our team of knowledgeable agents can help if you need advice on any of the following options: 

• Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begin three months before your 65th birthday month and end three months after, when you can enroll in Medicare.

• Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Between October 15 and December 7, you can change your Medicare coverage during this period.

• General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you missed the AEP, you could enroll in Medicare Part B between January 1 and March 31.

• Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment: Starts during your 65th birth month for six months, where you can add supplemental insurance to your plan.

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: Between January 1 and March 31, you can change your Medicare Advantage plan for the coming year.

We’re Here to Help

Finding the right health insurance coverage doesn’t have to be complicated. At Health Plans of NC, we can help answer your questions and guide you toward choosing the right health insurance plan. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will the Affordable Care Act be available in 2024? Yes, the ACA will be available in 2024.

• How often do open enrollment periods occur? Open Enrollment Periods occur each year.

• What is the annual enrollment period for Medicare? October 15 to December.

• What is the Medicare Advantage enrollment period for 2024? January 1 to March 31.

• What are the income limits for the Affordable Care Act 2024? Eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit means earning between $14,580 and $58,320 annually. Due to recent changes, you may also be eligible if you make over 400% of the poverty level.