Health Insurance Enrollment Guide for Brevard County

Most people can only enroll in a Marketplace plan during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which runs each year from November 1 through January 15. Outside of OEP, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — a 60-day window triggered by a qualifying life event.

Common SEP qualifying events include:

• Losing job-based, Medicaid, or CHIP coverage
• Getting married, divorced, or legally separated
• Having a baby, adopting, or gaining a dependent
• Moving to a new county or state
• Aging off a parent's plan at 26
• A significant change in household income

Having everything ready before you apply makes enrollment faster and reduces the chance of a delay. Gather the following for everyone in your household who needs coverage:

• Social Security numbers (or document numbers for lawfully present immigrants)
• Income documents — pay stubs, W-2s, or a recent tax return
• Employer and coverage information for any job-based plan available to you
• Policy numbers for any current health plans
• A list of household members who file taxes together
• Immigration documents, if applicable

Most Brevard County households qualify for some form of financial help through the Marketplace. There are two main types:

• Premium tax credits lower your monthly premium. They're based on your household income and the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in your area — and can be applied in advance so you pay less each month, not just at tax time.
• Cost-sharing reductions lower your deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. They're applied automatically when you enroll in a Silver plan and your income falls in the qualifying range.

Both are calculated when you apply through the Marketplace, based on the income and household details you provide.

• November 1 — Open Enrollment Period begins.
• December 15 — Enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1.
• January 15 — Last day of Open Enrollment; enroll by this date for coverage starting February 1.
• 60 days — Window to enroll after a Special Enrollment qualifying event.
• Year-round — Medicaid and CHIP accept applications any time, outside of OEP.