Individual Health Insurance
Individual health insurance programs are designed for those who cannot obtain insurance through an employer. Apex Benefit Group offers health insurance programs which offer extensive coverage as well as high-deductible programs which are designed to protect against catastrophic financial losses.
Find the Right Health Insurance Plan for You
Finding the right health insurance plan is essential for protecting your health and finances. Whether you’re self-employed, between jobs, or looking for coverage outside an employer-sponsored plan, understanding when and how to enroll is key. Here’s everything you need to know about getting individual health insurance.
What is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance?
The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the annual window when individuals can sign up for or make changes to their health insurance plans through the Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) or state exchanges.
Key Open Enrollment Dates:
Start Date: November 1st
End Date: December 15th (for coverage starting January 1st) – Some states may extend the deadline.
If you miss this period, you’ll need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to get coverage.
Check Your State’s Enrollment Deadlines
Special Enrollment Period (SEP):
Get Health Insurance Anytime
If you missed Open Enrollment, you may still be eligible for coverage if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). These events trigger a 60-day Special Enrollment Period when you can enroll or make changes to your plan.
Common Qualifying Life Events:
- Loss of health coverage (e.g., job loss, turning 26 and aging out of a parent’s plan, COBRA expiration)
- Household changes (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, death of a dependent)
- Relocation (e.g., moving to a new state, ZIP code, or gaining access to new plans)
- Other qualifying situations (e.g., becoming a U.S. citizen, leaving incarceration, major income changes affecting Medicaid/Marketplace eligibility)
Important: You have 60 days from the date of the event to apply for a new health insurance plan.
See Full List of Qualifying Life Events
What Are Your Options If You Miss Open Enrollment?
If you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may still have options for coverage:
- Short-term health insurance – Temporary coverage to fill gaps.
- Medicaid & CHIP – Available year-round for those who qualify based on income.
- Employer-sponsored health insurance – If you get a new job, you may be eligible for an employer-sponsored plan.
Compare Plans & Get Covered Today!
Choosing the right health insurance can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to help with plan comparisons, enrollment deadlines, and special qualifying circumstances to find the best coverage for your needs.
As an independent agency, Apex Benefit Group can provide insurance plans from numerous health insurance companies. With the health insurance market changing frequently, we are always on the lookout for quality, service-oriented insurance companies for our clients.
