Also, if there is a major health condition present, such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease, it will be difficult to qualify for a private plan (except under
designated Open Enrollment periods), and staying with the current employer policy may be the best option.
On - exchange, the November 1 — December 15
open enrollment period will be supplemented by a special
enrollment period from October 15 to October 31, and another special
enrollment period from December 16 to January 15 (these special
enrollment periods are necessary because federal regulations
designate November 1 to December 15 as the official
open enrollment period, so California had to supplement that with special
enrollment periods, rather than changing the official dates of
open enrollment).