Navigating Open Enrollment 2025 for College Students

As we transition from the sun-drenched days of summer, it's time to shift our focus to the upcoming open enrollment period for health insurance. For families with children, understanding the intricacies of open enrollment can make a world of difference in ensuring your loved ones have the best coverage. Let's explore what open enrollment entails, why it's crucial for families, and how it can impact your kids as they grow, particularly when they head off to college.

Understanding Open Enrollment: A Family Affair

Open enrollment is a critical time for families to assess their health insurance needs and make any necessary changes to their coverage. It's the designated period when you can sign up for or make changes to your health insurance plan. For 2025, the open enrollment period runs from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. If you want your new health plan for 2025 to start January 1st, you must get your application in by December 15th.

Health Changes for Kids

For families with children, open enrollment isn't just about updating adult coverage; it's also an opportunity to ensure your kids have the appropriate health insurance. As children grow, their healthcare needs evolve. From routine check-ups and vaccinations to unexpected illnesses or injuries, having comprehensive coverage for your children is essential. Open enrollment allows you to review pediatric coverage options and make adjustments as needed.

College-Bound Kids: Special Considerations

As your children reach college age, their healthcare needs may change significantly. Whether they're attending an in-state or out-of-state college, it's essential to evaluate how their insurance coverage will be affected. Some key considerations include:

Dependent Coverage: Many health insurance plans allow children to remain on their parents' plan until age 26. However, if your child attends college out of state, it's crucial to confirm whether your plan provides coverage in that location. With Marketplace coverage, you may not be able to keep them on their health plan. Since subsidies follow how you file your taxes, if you don't claim your new college student as a dependent, you won't be able to have them on your health plan. This change is usually very beneficial to your student as they will most likely qualify for low cost silver plans on the Marketplace.

College Health Plans: Some colleges offer their own health insurance plans for students. While these plans can be convenient, it's essential to compare them to your existing coverage to ensure your child has adequate protection, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or specific healthcare needs. If they have a doctor that they want to keep in network, a plan offered by their college may not be the best option.

Transitioning to Their Own Plan: In some cases, it may be beneficial for college-aged children to enroll in their own health insurance plan, particularly if they receive financial aid or scholarships that require them to have health coverage. Open enrollment provides an opportunity for them to explore their options and make the transition smoothly.

Out of State Networks and Coverage: Most health plans on the Marketplace only offer networks of doctors and hospitals in the state where you purchased your health plan. Some, like Regence BlueCross BlueShield, offer limited coverage in a few states. A local agent at Utah Avenue Insurance can help you ensure that your college bound kids have the coverage they need in school.

College Kids and Open Enrollment

During open enrollment, college students should assess their healthcare needs and consider whether their current coverage meets their requirements, especially if they're transitioning to a new phase of life. They should explore options for coverage both on and off-campus, ensuring they have access to necessary medical services wherever they may be.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Open Enrollment Together

Open enrollment can seem daunting, especially for families with children approaching college age. However, with careful consideration and guidance, you can make informed decisions that ensure the health and well-being of your entire family. Whether you're updating coverage for young children or preparing college-bound kids for the next chapter, Utah Avenue is here to provide expert assistance every step of the way. Let's navigate open enrollment together and ensure your family has the protection they need.