Enrollment Periods
Enrollment periods affect when you can enroll in a health plan. During open enrollment, anyone can apply for coverage. Other times, you may need to meet other conditions to apply for and enroll in a health plan.
Types of enrollment periods
Open enrollment
Open enrollment happens every year. It begins November 1 and ends January 15. During this time, anyone can apply for health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder™.
To apply during open enrollment, simply create an account and complete an application.
Special enrollment periods
Some life events let you sign up for a health plan outside of open enrollment. This is called a special enrollment period. Qualifying life events include job loss, birth, adoption, marriage and more. You have 60 days from the event to apply for a special enrollment period.
Special enrollment periods are opened for many reasons. Sometimes, you receive one automatically. If this is the case, you should see a notification in your account dashboard.
Other times, you will have to fill out a Special Enrollment Questionnaire. This is most often the case when you report a qualifying life event.
Cascade Care Savings special enrollment period
We now offer special enrollment to households that want to sign up for Cascade Care Savings. Your income must be less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level to get this benefit. If you qualify, you are given this benefit automatically.
You may qualify for this special enrollment period if:
- You are not enrolled in a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan
- You have limited income but do not qualify for Apple Health
Contact us if you do not know if you qualify.
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)
You do not need an enrollment period to apply for Apple Health. If you qualify, you can enroll at any time.
AI/AN benefits
If you are American Indian or Alaska Native, you can enroll in coverage at any time. You can also change your health plan once a month without a special enrollment period. To get these benefits, you must be an enrolled Tribal member or a shareholder in an Alaska Native Corporation.
