Different health coverage programs have different enrollment and renewal rules. Some programs allow people to enroll year-round, while others have limited enrollment periods.
Life changes may also allow you to enroll in or change coverage outside of normal enrollment periods.
Open Enrollment
For most people, the main time to enroll in or change Explore Health coverage is during Open Enrollment.
Open Enrollment is Nov. 1 through Jan. 15.
If you enroll between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, coverage will start Jan. 1. If you enroll between Jan. 1 and Jan. 15, coverage will start Feb. 1.
Special Enrollment Periods
Outside of Open Enrollment, you may still be able to enroll or change Explore Health coverage if you experience a qualifying life event.
Most Special Enrollment Periods last 60 days from the date of the event.
Common qualifying life events include:
- Losing health coverage
- Getting married
- Having or adopting a child
- Moving to a new address
- Divorce or legal separation
- Death in the household
- Changes in income
- Gaining eligible immigration status
- Release from incarceration
You may need to provide documents showing the life change.
American Indians and Alaska Natives
American Indians and Alaska Natives can enroll in Explore Health coverage year-round and may change plans more frequently than other people.
People who qualify for OHP can apply year-round.
You do not need to wait for Open Enrollment to:
- Apply for OHP
- Renew coverage
- Report changes
- Update household information
Life changes such as income changes, pregnancy, moving, or losing other health coverage may affect OHP eligibility.
Some people who lose OHP coverage may qualify for Marketplace financial help instead.
People generally become eligible for Medicare at age 65 or because of certain disabilities or medical conditions.
Initial Enrollment Period
Most people first enroll in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period, which begins before they turn 65 and continues for several months afterward.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment runs each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
During this time, people with Medicare can:
- Change Medicare Advantage plans
- Change prescription drug plans
- Return to Original Medicare
Special Enrollment Periods
Some life events may allow people to make Medicare changes outside normal enrollment periods.
Examples include:
- Moving
- Losing employer coverage
- Qualifying for Medicaid or other assistance programs
Free Medicare help is available through Oregon's Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program.
Eligible veterans may apply for VA health care year-round.
Veterans should report major life changes to the VA, especially changes that may affect:
- Eligibility
- Income-based benefits
- Dependents
- Other health coverage
Some veterans may have more than one type of health coverage, such as:
- VA health care and Medicare
- VA health care and OHP
- VA health care and Marketplace coverage
Having multiple types of coverage may improve access to providers and services.
Common life changes that may affect coverage
You should report major changes as soon as possible. Changes may affect:
- Eligibility
- Financial help
- Enrollment options
- Monthly costs
Common changes include:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Changes in income
- Moving
- Losing other health coverage
- Changes in household size
- Becoming eligible for Medicare or VA benefits
- Release from incarceration
- Changes in immigration status
Need help?
Free local help is available to:
- Understand enrollment periods
- Compare coverage options
- Report life changes
- Apply for coverage
- Renew benefits
- Learn about financial assistance programs
Local enrollment partners can help you understand your options, complete applications, and report life changes.