Changes to 2022 Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment • What Changes

Open Enrollment: The Changes Worth Knowing Before You Renew

📅 Looking for this year's exact dates and rules? See our 2027 Open Enrollment Dates guide →

Fast take: Every year the rules around open enrollment shift — deadlines, subsidy amounts, which carriers are in your market, and the special-enrollment rules if you lose coverage. Don't just let your plan renew. Here's what tends to change, and why it's worth a quick comparison before you lock in.

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The enrollment window

Nov 1 → Jan 15Open enrollment (most states)

Enroll by Dec 15Coverage starts January 1

Dec 16 – Jan 15Coverage starts February 1

Dates can vary by state and shift year to year — always confirm the current window (see the guide linked above) or ask us about your state.

Subsidies and income

Premium tax credits lower your Marketplace cost if your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. The exact income thresholds update every year, and lower-income households can sometimes find $0-premium plans after credits. Earn above the top of the range and you pay full price — which is often where a private plan wins. We calculate your current-year subsidy and show your true net cost. More on the subsidy cliff →

Out-of-pocket limits

The maximum out-of-pocket limit for in-network essential health benefits rises most years (it applies per person and per family). Not every plan runs at the max, and some plans outside the Marketplace offer lower out-of-pocket exposure. We compare total annual cost — premium plus deductible plus out-of-pocket risk — not just the monthly price.

Which carriers are in your market

Carriers enter and exit the Marketplace every year, so your options change even if you don't. Major national carriers — UnitedHealthcare among them — carry broad footprints and large networks, while others pull back. When your current plan's carrier leaves, you'll be choosing something new. We track who's in your area and match you to the strongest fit.

Lose your job? You don't have to wait

Involuntary loss of coverage is a qualifying life event. If you lose job-based coverage any time of year, you can enroll in an individual or family plan outside open enrollment — and claim a premium tax credit if eligible, rather than paying full price for COBRA. See the COBRA-vs-alternatives breakdown →

Beyond the Marketplace

Our specialty — private nationwide PPO. If you don't qualify for subsidies or want a broader network, a private, medically-underwritten PPO often delivers lower out-of-pocket costs, coast-to-coast provider access, and no referrals — the option only a limited number of agents offer. On a budget? We can also pair a low-cost plan with dental, vision, and supplemental coverage. (Private plans require underwriting — not everyone qualifies.)

Don't renew blind — know your options first

We'll explain the current-year changes, compare Marketplace and private options, verify your doctors, and make sure you're not overpaying.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I switch plans, or do I have to keep my current one?

During open enrollment you can switch to any available plan. Auto-renewal is convenient but rarely the best value — it's worth comparing every year.

What if I lose my coverage mid-year?

Losing job-based coverage opens a Special Enrollment Period, and you may qualify for a subsidy — often cheaper than COBRA. A private PPO can also enroll you year-round.

What if I don't qualify for a subsidy?

You're not limited to the Marketplace. A private nationwide PPO may cost less with a broader network. We compare both for you.

For education only; eligibility, benefits, and availability vary by carrier and state and change yearly. Always review official plan documents. Private plans are medically underwritten — not all applicants qualify. RKA Insurance Advisors is an independent, licensed health insurance brokerage (NPN 19540130). We do not offer Medicare. Call (561) 806-9913.