New State Law Creates Open Enrollment Periods for Buying Individual Coverage

As of December 1, 2010, individuals can buy insurance only during an open enrollment period. If you don't buy insurance by December 1, the next open enrollment periods are: January 1 through February 15, 2011; and July 1 through August 15, 2011. Before the new rules go into effect, you can buy insurance at any time. There are some exceptions to the new rule. For example, if you had coverage but lost it, you may be allowed to buy insurance outside of an open enrollment period.

For more information about this law and how it affects individuals, please visit the Massachusetts Division of Insurance web site.