Open Enrollment Preparation 2021 | Start Planning Now

Summary: Open Enrollment

• Open Enrollment is the yearly period in which people can enroll in or change their health insurance plan.
• The Open Enrollment period for 2021 runs from November 1, 2020 through December 15, 2020 for most states, including Texas.
• A few states have extended enrollment periods.
• It is important to get ready for open enrollment on time because it allows employees to understand their options.
• If employees don’t enroll or make changes during the enrollment period, there may be consequences. Typically, enrolling or changing outside of the period isn’t possible, and could mean expensive, no or insufficient insurance.

Specifics

The annual process will start in a matter of weeks. Because of the coronavirus, communicating effectively to your employees about the enrollment process is more important than ever. Many employees are working from home, and that makes it even harder. It’s smart to take enough time so you and your employees can prepare for success. For the 2021 cycle, take note of the following specifics.

1. Select states, including Minnesota, Nevada and Pennsylvania, have made their open enrollment windows longer. In addition, California, Colorado and D.C., have made an extension that is permanent.
2. Texas uses the federally run exchange at HealthCare.gov.
3. Your employees enroll or make changes during the enrollment period for the upcoming year. If they missed the window, they may still be able to enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan for 2020 if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. The employee could be eligible based on a so-called Qualifying Event.
4. Qualifying events may be:
   1. Involuntary loss of healthcare coverage
   2. Getting married or divorced
   3. Birth or adoption of a child
   4. Becoming a US citizen
   5. Permanent move to an area, allowing the employee access to new healthcare plans.
5. Check the effectiveness of the plans you offer by asking your employees for their feedback. Because the topic is very important for your employees, it helps to engage them. It allows you to make the choices that help your employees the most. However, make sure to explain your restrictions and considerations.
6. COVID-19 has made it very clear that employers should do their best to help employees with their health, plans and cost. Employees tend to spend little – sometimes too little – time finding the most ideal plan for them, their families and the circumstances.
7. If you’re offering benefits to your employees, it is more important than ever you make sure your employees understand their options. Reach out for help to get the most out of the enrollment process.

About Us

Soaring + Company helps organizations maximize their performance by maximizing the performance of their employees, systems and processes. We support you and your team by preparing for the enrollment period for 2021 with affordable and effective options for your organization and your employees.

To learn more, reach out to us and schedule time to discuss how to prepare for the 2021 cycle.