What are open-enrollment periods for group health plans?
A few insurers, including health-care giants Blue Shield and Blue Cross, have open-enrollment periods for membership in group health plans for a month or two every year. During this time, plans will accept new customers who want to change insurers. Those who aren’t insured at all also qualify for coverage during the open-enrollment period even though their application might be rejected at other times of the year. However, if an employee declined to participate when coverage was first offered, they can be charged higher rates if their health is poor.
