COMPLIANCE ALERT: What Happens If You Miss Open Enrollment?

If you miss your employer’s open enrollment deadline, you could lose coverage for you and your family and be unable to make benefits changes or enroll until the next deadline.

One exception to this rule is if you experience a life-changing qualifying event that would trigger a special enrollment period (SEP). Events such as getting married or divorced, having or adopting children, or losing eligibility for other health coverage can trigger special enrollment rights.

Additionally, if you missed the enrollment deadline, there are a few other options for trying to obtain health insurance, including the following:

• Spousal benefits
• Young adult benefits under a parent’s plan
• State insurance marketplace
• Medicaid
• Short-term health insurance

Contact your HR manager if you think you might qualify for a SEP or any of those above options.