Key U.S. Insurance Enrollment Dates
Don't miss the annual enrollment periods for Medicare and Obamacare (ACA). Plan ahead to secure your coverage.
Medicare
Initial Enrollment (IEP): 7-month window around your 65th birthday.
General Enrollment: January 1 – March 31.
Open Enrollment (AEP): October 15 – December 7.
Obamacare (ACA)
Open Enrollment: November 1 – January 15.
For coverage starting Jan 1: Enroll by December 15.
Special Enrollment (SEP): For qualifying life events like marriage, moving, or losing coverage.
Life Insurance
No Set Enrollment Period.
You can apply for most private life insurance policies at any time of the year.
The best time to apply is now to lock in lower rates while you're younger.
Medicare
Get clear answers about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, from coverage and enrollment to your available benefits. We help you navigate how Medicare works and explore the best options for your needs in the United States.
What are Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D?
Part A is hospital insurance. Part B is medical insurance (doctors, outpatient services).
Part C, or Medicare Advantage, are private plans that combine A & B, often with extra benefits.
Part D covers prescription drugs.
When should I enroll in Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday.
If you had employer coverage, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
If you miss both, the General Enrollment Period is available each year.
What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative that often includes Part D and extra benefits, using a provider network.
A Medigap plan works with Original Medicare to reduce your out-of-pocket costs, and you must add a separate Part D plan.
Is there a penalty if I delay my enrollment?
Yes, it's possible. Parts B and D may impose a late enrollment penalty if you delay signing up without having other creditable coverage.
Always check with an expert before postponing your enrollment.
Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?
Original Medicare offers very limited coverage for these benefits.
However, many Medicare Advantage plans include routine dental, vision, and hearing services.
You can also purchase standalone policies.
Can I keep my employer insurance and also enroll in Medicare?
In many cases, yes. The Medicare parts you should enroll in depend on your employer's size and your plan's rules.
We can help you compare costs and understand the coordination of benefits.
What is the Part D "donut hole"?
The "donut hole," officially called the Part D coverage gap, is a stage where you temporarily pay more for your prescription drugs after you and your plan have spent a certain amount.
We can help estimate your costs based on your prescriptions.
What is the Medigap open enrollment window?
This is a 6-month period that starts the month your Part B becomes effective.
During this window, you have a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap plan sold in your state, regardless of your health.
Can I change my Medicare plan every year?
Yes. Each year, there are specific times like the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
where you can switch your Advantage or Part D plan.
Are my doctors in the Advantage plans' network?
Networks vary by plan and county.
Before you enroll or switch, we can help you verify that your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are included in the plan's network.
Marketplace Health Insurance (ACA/Obamacare)
If you're looking for a health plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), we've answered the most common questions here—from coverage and enrollment to in-network doctors, costs, and available financial aid.
What's the difference between a deductible, copay, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket max?
The deductible is what you pay first before your insurance starts covering costs. A copay is a fixed fee for each visit or service. Coinsurance is the percentage you pay after meeting your deductible. The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you'll pay in a year; once you hit it, your plan covers 100% of in-network costs.
Do ACA plans cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes. By law, ACA Marketplace plans cannot deny you coverage or charge you more for having a pre-existing condition, as long as you enroll in a qualified health plan.
When can I enroll in a health plan?
Each year, you can enroll during the Open Enrollment Period. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) following a life event like losing coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby.
Can I keep my current doctor?
Yes, as long as your doctor is in the plan's provider network. We can help you verify if your preferred doctors and hospitals are included before you enroll.
What kind of financial assistance can I receive?
Many families qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) to lower their monthly payments. On Silver plans, you may also get cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) that lower your deductibles and copays, based on your income and household size.
What is the difference between HMO, PPO, and EPO plans?
HMO: Requires you to use a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals. Does not cover out-of-network care (except emergencies).
PPO: More flexible. No referrals needed and provides some out-of-network coverage.
EPO: A mix of both. No referrals needed, but generally does not cover out-of-network care.
PPO: More flexible. No referrals needed and provides some out-of-network coverage.
EPO: A mix of both. No referrals needed, but generally does not cover out-of-network care.
What are HDHPs and HSAs?
An HDHP is a High Deductible Health Plan, which is required to open a Health Savings Account (HSA). Money you contribute to an HSA is tax-deductible and can be used for qualified medical expenses.
Do these plans include prescription drug coverage?
Yes, every plan has a formulary, which is a list of covered drugs organized by tiers. Your cost depends on the drug's tier and whether the pharmacy is in-network. We can check your specific prescriptions.
Will I need referrals or prior authorizations?
It depends on your plan. HMOs typically require referrals from your primary doctor. Additionally, many services and certain medications require prior authorization regardless of your plan type.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will need: full names and birthdates for everyone in your household, your address, your estimated yearly income, and if applicable, citizenship or immigration documents. Information from your previous plan is also helpful.
Life Insurance
We answer the most common questions about life insurance: policy types, coverage amounts, medical exams, beneficiaries, and more—explained clearly for families in the U.S.
Which is right for me: Term or Whole Life Insurance?
Term life is often the most affordable option for temporary needs (e.g., 10-30 years). Whole/Permanent life provides lifelong coverage and builds cash value, but has higher premiums.
How much life insurance coverage do I need?
A common rule of thumb is 10 to 15 times your annual income, adjusted for debts, your children's education, and existing savings. We can provide a personalized needs analysis for you.
Do I need a medical exam to get coverage?
Not always. Many carriers offer accelerated or "no-exam" underwriting if you qualify. However, the most competitive rates often require a brief medical exam.
Can I get coverage if I have health issues?
Often, yes. As brokers, we work with many different carriers and can help you find one with favorable underwriting criteria for your specific health condition.
What is a beneficiary and how do I update it?
A beneficiary is the person, people, or trust who will receive the policy's payout. You can update your beneficiaries at any time and should review them after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
What does "convertibility" mean for a term policy?
It's a feature that allows you to convert your term policy into a permanent one without a new medical evaluation, as long as it's done within the timeframe specified by the policy.
What optional riders should I consider?
Common riders include an accelerated death benefit (for terminal illness), waiver of premium (if you become disabled), child riders, accidental death, and options for long-term or chronic care.
Can I borrow against my life insurance policy?
Permanent policies that build cash value typically allow you to take out loans against that value (interest applies). Unpaid loans will reduce the final death benefit.
What factors affect my premium?
Your age, health, tobacco use, coverage amount, policy type/length, high-risk jobs or hobbies, driving record, and family health history can all influence your final premium.
How quickly does coverage begin?
Coverage begins after your application is submitted, approved through underwriting, and the first premium is paid. In some cases, temporary coverage may be available during the underwriting process.
