What happens if an individual misses the Open Enrollment period?

If an individual misses the Open Enrollment period, the individual will typically need to wait until the next enrollment period to obtain health insurance coverage through the Marketplace. Open Enrollment is a specific time frame each year during which individuals can sign up for health insurance plans. Outside of this time frame, obtaining coverage could be difficult unless the individual qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period due to certain life events, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or loss of other health coverage. This underscores the importance of being aware of the enrollment dates and planning accordingly to ensure access to health insurance when needed.