Important Deadlines for Health Insurance, Obamacare and Medicare

Dates and deadlines for 2021 health coverage

The Obamacare open enrollment or to change a plan period is from November 1 to December 15. If you don’t act by December 15, you won’t be able to get 2021 coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Plans sold during Open Enrollment begin January 1, 2021.

• November 1, 2020: Open Enrollment begins – first day to enroll, re-enroll, or change a health plan for 2021.
• December 15, 2020: Last day to enroll or change plans for 2021 coverage. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
• January 1, 2021: 2021 coverage begins, if you paid your first premium.

Still need 2020 coverage?

You can still get 2020 health insurance in 2 ways:

• If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event such as losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby.
• If you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). You can apply at any time.

Dates and timelines for 2021 Medicare coverage

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period is from October 15 through December 7.

What type of 2021 coverage are you looking for?

• Medicare Advantage Plan
• Medicare Drug Coverage (Part D)
• Medicare Drug Coverage (Part D) + Medigap plan
• Medigap Plan

It also includes benefits not included in original Medicare such as Dental, Vision, Hearing, transportation to medical appointments, gym, non-prescription drugs among others.