Annual Open Enrollment Period: Everything You Need to Know

Open Enrollment, the window of time when individuals can enroll in a new health plan for 2023, starts on November 1st.

And while that might seem like a long way off, shopping for health insurance is definitely not your typical shopping experience. Between deciphering jargony insurance terms and confusing healthcare abbreviations, it’s hard to even know where to start. That’s why we’re here to help get you prepped and ready for it ahead of time.

Below are a few key things to know about shopping for insurance this Open Enrollment. We hope you’ll consider Friday Health Plans in your shopping. Here goes.

You may qualify for financial assistance

Financial aid for health insurance, otherwise known as a subsidy, is a type of financial assistance that can lower your monthly premium or reduce your out-of-pocket medical costs. Now more than ever, with the passing of the American Rescue Plan Act, Americans of all income levels may qualify for a subsidy to help save money on health insurance. It’s worth checking to see if you qualify—you might be pleasantly surprised.

Whether you qualify for subsidies largely depends on your income, family size, and the cost of health insurance in your area. Below is a basic summary of income requirements for financial assistance, but the American Rescue Plan has expanded the reach of subsidies, so be sure to check your individual situation. 

See if you qualify by checking out Friday’s subsidy page for instructions and more information.

Get shopping on November 1st for coverage starting January 1

Open Enrollment starts on November 1st and ends on December 15th for plans starting January 1st. You can buy a plan either directly through a health insurance carrier, like Friday Health Plans, or on your state’s health insurance exchange.

You can find your state’s health insurance exchange here, and be sure to check when the end date and coverage start dates are. See more details on shopping dates by viewing our shopping checklist.

Buy a health plan by January 15th for coverage starting February 1st

If you miss the "official" Open Enrollment deadlines, you won't be covered for the entire month of January. Chilly. But you’ll still have until January 15th to get coverage starting February 1st. Don’t wait any longer though, if you miss the January deadline, you will not be able to apply again unless you have a qualifying reason until November 2023.

Why Choose Friday Health Plans

At Friday Health Plans, we craft health plans for folks who take pride in making their own decisions. Self-starters. Freethinkers. People who choose their own paths and seek the most value for their dollar.

On many of our plans, we offer unlimited $0 in-network primary care visits. And because we know that mental health is just as important as your physical health, we also include $0 in-network counseling on most health plans. With our network of great health professionals, you can get counseling as much as you want, when you need it, for $0. Virtual doctor and mental health visits are $0 on all plans.

Can't make it to the doctor's office or stuck at home with a sick kid? Speak with a doctor 24/7 by phone or video for $0 with Teladoc on ALL Friday plans! Want to see a specialist but don’t want to wait for a referral? No referrals are needed with your Friday plan. Simply find an in-network doctor through the Provider Search, call the doctor’s office, and schedule your visit.

You can have a look at all of our health plans here. We think you’ll like what you see, because when you’re free to be your healthiest self, every day feels like Friday.

Have questions about 2022 health plans in your state?

Contact Friday's friendly Care Crew, or get a quote and more details online at the Friday website.