--- title: Together Patient Advocates Blog | open enrollment description: open enrollment | Topics ranging from how to advocate for yourself to the benefits of patient advocates. --- [![Together Patient Advocates](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo/Together%20Patient%20Advocates-100x100.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=Together%20Patient%20Advocates-100x100.jpg "Together Patient Advocates")](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/) [![Contact Me](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2241950/f0ceed56-8ce7-4edf-b542-140a386d232a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2241950/f0ceed56-8ce7-4edf-b542-140a386d232a) # Together Patient Advocates Blog [![](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hubfs/Healthcare%20reform%20concept-%20doctor%20holding%20piggy%20bank.%20Medical%20insurance%2c%20reimbursement%20Happy%20smiling%20female%20doctor%2c%20nurse%20holding%20piggy%20bank%20isolated%20on%20a%20white%20background..jpeg) ](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-for-open-enrollment) ## [What You Need to Know for Open Enrollment](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-for-open-enrollment) [fa icon="calendar'] Nov 12, 2021 8:07:00 AM / by [Donna Smith, BCPA](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/author/donna-smith-bcpa) posted in [Medicare](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/medicare), [Insurance](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/insurance), [open enrollment](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/open-enrollment), [Obamacare](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/obamacare) [[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-for-open-enrollment#comments-listing)   [Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-for-open-enrollment) [![](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Closeup%20portrait%20of%20health%20care%20professional%2c%20dr%20or%20md%20with%20stethoscope%20pointing%20to%20sign%20that%20says%20healthcare%20reform%20now%3F%3F%3F%2c%20isolated%20on%20white%20background.jpeg) ](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/open-enrollment-is-just-around-the-corner) ## [Open Enrollment is Just around the Corner](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/open-enrollment-is-just-around-the-corner) [fa icon="calendar'] Oct 2, 2020 7:45:00 AM / by [Donna Smith, BCPA](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/author/donna-smith-bcpa) posted in [Medicare](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/medicare), [Insurance](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/insurance), [open enrollment](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/open-enrollment) [[fa icon="comment"] 1 Comment](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/open-enrollment-is-just-around-the-corner#comments-listing) Whether your health insurance is through your employer, a private policy, or Medicare, you’re headed for open enrollment. This is when insurers make cost and benefit changes that will be effective January 1st. Your insurer is required to notify you in writing of upcoming plan benefit changes. Take the time to study those changes and the benefit details in any plan you are considering for your 2021 coverage. The choice you make will be in effect through December 31, 2021 unless you have a qualifying event, such as loss of coverage, that allows you to change coverage mid-year. [Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/open-enrollment-is-just-around-the-corner) [All posts](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/all) ### Subscribe to Email Updates - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [Coronavirus (15)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/coronavirus) - [self-advocacy (15)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/self-advocacy) - [COVID-19 (14)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [Insurance (7)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/insurance) - [Medicare (6)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/medicare) - [New Diagnosis (5)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/new-diagnosis) - [elderly illness (5)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/elderly-illness) - [patient advocate (5)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/patient-advocate) - [preparing for your doctor's appointment (5)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-doctors-appointment) - [ER (4)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/er) - [Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility (4)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/nursing-home-skilled-nursing-facility) - [medi-cal (4)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/medi-cal) - [Hospice (3)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/hospice) - [Hospital (3)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/hospital) - [Planning (3)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/planning) - [Dementia (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/dementia) - [Palliative Care (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/palliative-care) - [advance directive (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/advance-directive) - [confusion (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/confusion) - [open enrollment (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/open-enrollment) - [prevention (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/prevention) - [technology (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/technology) - [Anxiety (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/anxiety) - [Asthma (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/asthma) - [Cancer (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/cancer) - [Clinical Notes (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/clinical-notes) - [Congenital Heart Defects (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/congenital-heart-defects) - [Diabetes (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Health (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/health) - [Heart Failure (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/heart-failure) - [Informed Decisions (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/informed-decisions) - [LGBTQ+ Advocacy (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/lgbtq-advocacy) - [Multiple Sclerosis (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/multiple-sclerosis) - [Obamacare (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/obamacare) - [Online medical research (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/online-medical-research) - [Open Access (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/open-access) - [Preventive Health Care (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/preventive-health-care) - [Recovery (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/recovery) - [Sacramento MS Resources (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/sacramento-ms-resources) - [UTI (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/uti) - [Urinary tract infection in elderly (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/urinary-tract-infection-in-elderly) - [colon cancer (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/colon-cancer) - [flu (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/flu) - [influenza (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/influenza) - [mental health (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/mental-health) - [prescriptions (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/prescriptions) - [stress (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/stress) - [vaccination (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/vaccination) - [young adults (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/young-adults) [see all](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/open-enrollment#) ### Posts by Topic - [Coronavirus (15)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/coronavirus) - [self-advocacy (15)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/self-advocacy) - [COVID-19 (14)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [Insurance (7)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/insurance) - [Medicare (6)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/medicare) - [New Diagnosis (5)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/new-diagnosis) - [elderly illness (5)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/elderly-illness) - [patient advocate (5)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/patient-advocate) - [preparing for your doctor's appointment (5)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-doctors-appointment) - [ER (4)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/er) - [Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility (4)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/nursing-home-skilled-nursing-facility) - [medi-cal (4)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/medi-cal) - [Hospice (3)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/hospice) - [Hospital (3)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/hospital) - [Planning (3)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/planning) - [Dementia (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/dementia) - [Palliative Care (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/palliative-care) - [advance directive (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/advance-directive) - [confusion (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/confusion) - [open enrollment (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/open-enrollment) - [prevention (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/prevention) - [technology (2)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/technology) - [Anxiety (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/anxiety) - [Asthma (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/asthma) - [Cancer (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/cancer) - [Clinical Notes (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/clinical-notes) - [Congenital Heart Defects (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/congenital-heart-defects) - [Diabetes (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Health (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/health) - [Heart Failure (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/heart-failure) - [Informed Decisions (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/informed-decisions) - [LGBTQ+ Advocacy (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/lgbtq-advocacy) - [Multiple Sclerosis (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/multiple-sclerosis) - [Obamacare (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/obamacare) - [Online medical research (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/online-medical-research) - [Open Access (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/open-access) - [Preventive Health Care (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/preventive-health-care) - [Recovery (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/recovery) - [Sacramento MS Resources (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/sacramento-ms-resources) - [UTI (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/uti) - [Urinary tract infection in elderly (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/urinary-tract-infection-in-elderly) - [colon cancer (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/colon-cancer) - [flu (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/flu) - [influenza (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/influenza) - [mental health (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/mental-health) - [prescriptions (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/prescriptions) - [stress (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/stress) - [vaccination (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/vaccination) - [young adults (1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/young-adults) [see all](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/open-enrollment#) ### Recent Posts #### About Me My clinical experience as a family physician combined with my personal experience as a patient with chronic illness makes me an exceptional choice to be your patient advocate.  [Learn More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/about-us) [[fa icon="facebook-square"]Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Together-Patient-Advocates-1203451539747384/) [[fa icon="linkedin-square"]LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-mcilnay-6abb87132) [![NAHAC-Member-Badge200x112+(1)](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NAHAC-Member-Badge200x112+(1).gif?width=200&name=NAHAC-Member-Badge200x112+(1).gif)](https://www.nahac.com/#!event-list)[![bahca_logo](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bahca_logo.png?width=142&name=bahca_logo.png)](https://bayareahealthcareadvocates.org/) [![GNA_2020_Member_Badge](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GNA_2020_Member_Badge.png?width=266&name=GNA_2020_Member_Badge.png)](https://www.gnanow.org/)     [![PACB-wide-logo-300dpi](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PACB-wide-logo-300dpi.png?width=5026&name=PACB-wide-logo-300dpi.png "PACB-wide-logo-300dpi")](https://pacboard.org/bcpa-what-does-bcpa-mean/) Copyright 2026 | Designed with [fa icon="heart"] by [HubSpot](https://www.hubspot.com) [[fa icon="chevron-up"]Back to top](https://www.togetherpatientadvocates.com/blog/topic/open-enrollment#)