So, Open Enrollment ended—and you missed it. Now what?
It happens to more people than you might think. Life gets busy, reminders slip through the cracks, and suddenly you’re outside the enrollment window without coverage or stuck in a plan that no longer works for you.
The good news? You still have options. This guide explains what to do if you missed Open Enrollment and how BBS Insurance can help you find the right next step.
1. See If You Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
The first thing to check is whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. These are time-limited windows that allow you to enroll in or change your health insurance plan outside of Open Enrollment—but only if you’ve had a qualifying life event.
You may qualify for an SEP if any of the following happened in the last 60 days:
- You lost job-based coverage
- You got married or divorced
- You had a baby, adopted a child, or gained a dependent
- You moved to a new ZIP code or county
- You turned 26 and lost coverage under a parent’s plan
- You became a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.
- You were released from incarceration
These events give you a limited time—typically 60 days from the date of the event—to make changes. If you wait too long, you’ll lose the chance to enroll.
Pro Tip: Documentation is often required. BBS Insurance can help you understand what counts as a qualifying event and what paperwork you’ll need.
2. Apply for Medicaid or CHIP
If your income is below certain thresholds, you may qualify for Medicaid (for adults) or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). These programs are open year-round, meaning you can apply at any time, not just during Open Enrollment.
Who might qualify?
- Individuals with low income
- Pregnant women
- Children and teens under 19
- Seniors and people with disabilities (depending on your state)
Unlike marketplace insurance, Medicaid and CHIP plans often come with low or no monthly premiums and minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Why this matters: If you’ve recently lost income, experienced financial hardship, or had a major life change, Medicaid could offer a safety net.
BBS Insurance helps determine your eligibility, guide you through the application process, and explain what services are covered.
3. Look Into Short-Term Health Insurance
Short-term health plans provide temporary coverage for people who are in between major medical plans. They’re not a perfect replacement for full ACA-compliant coverage, but they can protect you from catastrophic expenses while you wait for the next enrollment period.
Pros:
- Affordable monthly premiums
- Quick approval, sometimes same-day
- Basic coverage for unexpected illnesses or accidents
Cons:
- Typically excludes pre-existing conditions
- May not cover maternity care, mental health, or prescription drugs
- Limited to short periods (3 to 12 months depending on your state)
If you’re relatively healthy and just need stop-gap coverage, this might be a viable option.
BBS Insurance can walk you through available short-term plans and help you find one that fits your budget and risk level.
4. Check for Employer or Spouse Coverage Options
If you or your spouse recently started a new job, or you’ve become eligible for a group health insurance plan through an employer, you may still be able to sign up—even outside of Open Enrollment.
Employers typically offer a 30- to 60-day enrollment window from the date you become eligible. Don’t assume it’s too late; check with your HR department.
If your spouse or domestic partner has a plan, some employers allow you to be added outside of Open Enrollment—especially if your prior coverage ended recently.
BBS Insurance can help evaluate employer-based options and explain how they stack up against marketplace or private insurance plans.
5. Explore Health Care Sharing Alternatives
Though not technically insurance, health care sharing alternatives or similar health-sharing programs offer a way for people with shared beliefs to pool funds and cover each other’s medical expenses.
These plans:
- Are often lower in cost than traditional insurance
- Don’t follow ACA rules or cover all essential benefits
- Require agreement to specific religious or lifestyle commitments
They’re not for everyone, and they come with risks. But for some people, they offer an affordable alternative when no other options are available.
Important: BBS Insurance does not endorse all health-sharing programs but can help you understand how they compare to regulated plans.
6. Plan Ahead for the Next Open Enrollment Period
If none of the current options work for you—or if you’re only a few months away from the next Open Enrollment period—it’s time to get organized so you don’t miss out again.
Here’s what you can do now:
- Set reminders for key dates (usually Nov 1–Jan 15)
- Gather income documentation to determine eligibility for subsidies
- Make a list of your doctors and prescriptions to compare networks
- Schedule a consultation with BBS Insurance ahead of time to avoid the rush
BBS Insurance offers early access planning sessions so you’re ready to enroll as soon as the window opens.
7. Don’t Go Without Coverage If You Can Help It
It may be tempting to “wait it out” if you missed Open Enrollment, but being uninsured comes with serious financial risk. A single ER visit or hospital stay can cost thousands—something a short-term or Medicaid plan could help prevent.
Even if you feel healthy now, unexpected medical issues can happen to anyone. Taking action now, even with limited options, is far better than gambling on staying healthy.
BBS Insurance can help you find some form of protection—even if it’s temporary—while preparing you for full coverage later.
Final Word: Missed the Window? You’re Not Out of Options
Missing Open Enrollment is frustrating—but it’s not a dead end. With Special Enrollment Periods, Medicaid, short-term plans, and employer options, there’s often a path forward.
The key is knowing where to look and taking action quickly.
Let BBS Insurance guide you through your next move. We’ll help you:
- Explore every available option
- Handle all the paperwork
- Avoid gaps in coverage
- Save money wherever possible
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the next step toward protecting your health and finances—no matter what time of year it is.