Between new school schedules, homework, fall sports and upcoming holidays, this time of year can be hectic. But if you need to purchase health coverage for 2025, there are some important dates – coming up soon! – that you need to remember.

To make sure you feel prepared, Priority Health has put together this information about when, how and why to enroll in health coverage this open enrollment period.

What is OEP?

The open enrollment period, also known as OEP, is the time of year when you can enroll in a health plan through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace® or through a private insurer, like Priority Health.

Enrolling in a plan through a private insurer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pay more. In fact, four out of five people are eligible to pay less than $10 per month for a plan from Priority Health.1

When dates do I need to know?

  • Oct. 1, 2024: Shopping begins. This means plans for 2025 are finalized and you can start looking for the plan that best meets your needs.
  • Nov. 1, 2024: Enrollment begins. This is the first day you can purchase new, or change your current, health coverage for 2025.
  • Dec. 15, 2024: The last day you can enroll for coverage that will begin on Jan. 1, 2025.
  • Jan. 15, 2025: The last day you can enroll for coverage for 2025, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. If you enroll between Dec. 15, 2024 and Jan. 15, 2025, your coverage will begin on Feb. 1, 2025.

What happens if I miss OEP?

If you miss the Jan. 15, 2025 deadline, you will not be able to enroll in health coverage for 2025 unless you experience a qualifying life event (QLE) that makes you eligible for a special enrollment period. These include a/an:

  • Loss of essential coverage
  • Loss of COBRA benefits
  • Marriage
  • Birth
  • Permanent relocation
  • Divorce
  • Adoption
  • Death of previous policy holder
  • Named legal guardian
  • New foster child
  • Change in citizenship
  • Newly eligible for government assistance

Depending on the circumstance, you’re only allowed 60 days from the day of your qualifying life event to change or enroll in health coverage. If you don’t enroll by the deadline, you could find yourself without coverage until the next open enrollment period.

If you’ve recently experienced a QLE and are eligible for a special enrollment period in 2024, a MyPriority plan comes with coverage that prioritizes you.

How can I find the best value?

Sometimes, plans with a low monthly premium seem less expensive but end up costing you more if they don’t cover all you need. Your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, copays and coinsurance contribute to the full amount you’ll pay for health coverage and should also be considered.

Plan benefits and extras, along with available subsidies that help you pay for your coverage can also make a difference in the overall value.

Priority Health members find value in their health plan. In fact, more than 89%2 of members stayed on their MyPriority plan year over year.

What else should I consider before choosing a plan?

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a new health plan, including medical needs, provider preferences and cost-saving options. Priority Health created this short quiz to help you make your decision.

Priority Health is a nationally recognized nonprofit health benefits company focused on improving the health and lives of members across Michigan. Priority Health, part of the Corewell Health nonprofit health system is recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation.

1 Marketplace Plan Year 2024 Open Enrollment Fact Sheet | CMS

2 Priority Health CMS Enrollment Data – January 1, 2024