Time to Renew and Update Your Health Benefit Plan

​Anyone who has health benefit coverage has been, or will soon be, asked to review their current health benefit coverage for 2025. Here is what you need to know whether you have employer-sponsored coverage, coverage from the federal government’s health care Marketplace or private individual insurance.

Employer-sponsored coverage
An employer’s open enrollment period varies from employer to employer, but generally occurs in the fall. You will probably be asked to renew the plan you have or choose a new one from the ones your employer selected. Your employer also may offer supplemental coverage like dental and vision plans and/or health and wellness programs.

Premiums usually increase annually, so it’s important you not just assume the plan you have will work for you. Look at all the plan options your employer offers to see not only what you can afford, but which plan best meets your needs.

If you need to change your coverage later due to a specific event, such as the birth of a child or marriage, you can make changes as long as it’s a qualifying life event.

Marketplace coverage
Open Enrollment for 2025 health insurance runs Nov. 1, 2024, through Dec. 15, 2024, if you want your coverage to start Jan. 1, 2025.

You can apply for new health coverage or make changes to your existing plan for next year. Enroll at www.healthcare.gov.

However, if you have no problem with your coverage starting Feb. 1, you have until Jan. 15 to enroll or change your plan.

To get coverage after the last open enrollment date, you’ll have to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event or based on your income. You also might be able to apply any time for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Private health insurance
The Affordable Care Act’s federal individual mandate penalty was eliminated in 2019, but some states still require you have coverage and include Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Rhode Island and California.

Contact an agent if you want to investigate your options. This type of coverage generally is more expensive than group or Marketplace plans. And, even though you are not purchasing coverage from the federal Marketplace, you can only purchase private insurance during Marketplace open enrollment.

​Your agent will contact you when it’s time to renew.

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Allied National

​Founded in 1970, Allied is one of the nation's oldest and most experienced third-party administrators. As the small group benefit experts, Allied works with small business employers to provide unique and affordable group health benefits.