Health insurance can be a bit complicated. With all the numbers and details about coverage to track, it’s not uncommon when you struggle to keep track of everything.

Perhaps you’ve visited the doctor, but you don’t receive the benefits you thought you did. Maybe you’re pregnant and aren’t sure how the birth of a baby could affect your coverage or the cost of premiums.

Each year, when you’re in the Open Enrollment Period, you’re able to modify your health insurance plan to ensure it’s still meeting the needs of your family. Suppose you are experiencing life-changing events at this time of year. In that case, you can update your plan earlier during the Special Enrollment Period. Do not be concerned; these are unusual situations, and you are not bound to your health insurance plan for the rest of your life.

Continue reading to learn more about the best time and manner to change your health insurance coverage—the difference between open and special enrollment periods.

Modifying your health insurance plan reasons to decide to (or have to)

Individuals choose to alter their health insurance coverage for various reasons. The most frequent causes are:

  • Changes to your plan’s network If your preferred physicians or specialists aren’t accepting your insurance plan, you could have to spend a lot more money. Other options for health insurance could reduce the total amount of medical expenses.
  • There is a need for greater or lesser coverage. For instance, if you go to the doctor often and your copays are eating up your budget. A different plan could assist you in keeping your medical expenses in check. However, it is the case that you’re paying for premium insurance but doesn’t use it often; a lower-cost plan might be the better choice.
  • Moving to a different area or a change in your employment or family members is often an ideal time to evaluate your financial position. They are known as qualifying life events. These are also the occasions when you can update your health insurance coverage.

Switching health insurance plans after enrollment open Can I make a switch at any time?

In most cases, you can enroll in or renew your health insurance coverage during the open enrollment period. Suppose you have certain life-related events that qualify as qualifying that qualify. In that case, you could also be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

Special enrollment times for health insurance

Special enrollment times are named since that’s their nature: they’re exclusive. In a specific enrollment time, only you and your family members have the option of choosing different coverage options.

Specific events, such as set special enrollment times

  • Getting divorced, married, or legally separated.
  • Adopting or giving birth
  • We are beginning, ending, or even losing the job.
  • Health insurance coverage is lost.
  • A family member dies.
  • Moving to a different area code (or ZIP) or county
  • Other eligible events

Suppose any of these scenarios apply to you. In that case, you’ll typically have 60 days to change to a new plan or modify your current one.

How do I cancel my health insurance?

You can opt to end the project when you become qualified for health insurance in another way, such as through a new job or your spouse’s insurance plan. (But when you purchase an insurance plan through your employer, you may be faced with limited options. Check with them for further details).

You may decide to cancel your plan immediately or select one specific date when you will end your protection. If you wish to cancel your coverage, call your insurance company or health insurance marketplace from which you bought your coverage. You may require filling out forms to make your cancellation formal.

You should be aware that you may generally modify your health insurance plan. But, it’s vital to make sure that you have other plans for medical treatment. You can’t enroll at any time: it’s only available during open enrollment or during a specific enrollment time.

Before you cancel your health insurance policy, ensure that you’ve thought about what you’ll do should you require medical attention and the way you’ll cover it?

Ottawa Life insurance is here for you to help with your business and insurance needs. For further information, please call (613) 454-1424 or email info@ottawa-lifeinsurance.ca.