After an HIC has provided coverage for two years, the minimum open enrollment period must be at least how many days, at least once per 12 months?

• A. 60
• B. 90
• C. 180
• D. 30

Answer: (D)

Open enrollment is the annual window during which you can enroll in, change, or drop health coverage without needing a life-event trigger. The rule requires that this enrollment period be at least 30 days long, and it must occur at least once every 12 months. A 30-day window gives people a reasonable amount of time to review options, gather information, and complete enrollment without forcing a rush, while still maintaining a yearly cycle. Longer windows are allowed, but the minimum is 30 days, so after two years of coverage the requirement is simply that there is a 30-day open enrollment period at least once per year.