by 
The Curious Bag
-
<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Consumers Can Switch
Whether purchasing health insurance independently or obtaining it through an employer, consumers can switch medical health plans. Individuals paying for their own insurance can merely switch plans within the same company, or change companies altogether. Employees getting insurance from their employer can switch among the programs offered, or buy individual insurance independently.
On the Other: Sometimes Special Rules Apply
Some medical health plans purchased through an employer allow switches or changes only during certain times of the year, such as during open enrollment periods, once a set period of time has elapsed, or at the beginning or end of a calendar year. Individual health policies occasionally have limitations for switching, depending on the state law that governs them.
Bottom Line
Consumers can switch medical health plans, but special attention to policy details or limitations is critical. Medical health plans vary from state to state, provider to provider, and employer to employer -- a close review of the insurance policy will provide steps on when and how to switch.
Source:
Health Affairs: Health Plan Switching
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois: Switching, disenrollment
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC