If you’re a trusted resource for clients, you’ll stand out in the broker world. Knowing key health insurance dates, as well as the compliance implications, will help you support your portfolio of companies as they navigate the ever-changing world of health plans.
Some of the dates below are specific to ICHRA. Others are for the Health Insurance Marketplace and are relevant because employees buy their health plan through the marketplace when their employer has an ICHRA.
Bookmark this page as your broker health insurance calendar, and connect with Take Command anytime you have questions.
Health Insurance Calendar: Important Dates and Timelines
| Event | Date/Timeline |
| ICHRA plan year The 12-month date range when a company’s ICHRA plan begins and ends (Note: Employers get to choose their ICHRA plan start date; it can happen any time of year and will trigger a special enrollment period so your employees can find plans on the individual market outside of the open enrollment dates.) |
Dates are set by employer; after the initial implementation, the ICHRA plan year follows the ACA schedule |
| Marketplace Open Enrollment
Federal marketplace open enrollment State-specific marketplace open enrollment |
Nov. 1–Jan. 15
Many states follow the federal open enrollment dates, but these states have their own schedule: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, and Washington state |
| Medicare open enrollment When employees can enroll in Medicare |
Oct. 15–Dec. 7 |
| ICHRA plan documentation When an employer establishes their company’s ICHRA guidelines, including definition of eligibility, reimbursement amounts, and claims processes |
Ideally 90–120 days before the plan year starts |
| Employee notice When an employer sends a notice to employees about their ICHRA plan |
At least 90 days before the plan year starts |
| ICHRA special enrollment An ICHRA special enrollment is triggered by 1) An employee’s qualifying life event such as marriage or birth of a child or 2) When an employer starts offering an ICHRA |
Employee has 60 days to sign up for a health plan |
| Form 1095-C filing The IRS form for employer-provided health insurance; applies only to applicable large employers |
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| PCORI filing Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute fees and IRS form 720 |
July 31 of the following calendar year |
| Broker license renewal The mandatory process a broker must complete to maintain their active license and continue practicing |
Varies by state; often coincides with broker’s birth month |
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Client reviews
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Recommended annually or quarterly |
Who makes the rules for health insurance compliance?
There are three governing bodies for ICHRA. The IRS oversees compliance and reporting. The Department of Labor governs plan documentation and employee notices. Health and Human Services is in charge of special enrollment periods.
Health insurance dates are an important part of compliance because employers are required to submit paperwork, send notices, and file legal documents within designated timeframes. Understanding the compliance landscape will make you better support clients stand out among your peers.
Key ICHRA Regulatory Requirements
How Take Command Helps
Take Command was the first-to-market ICHRA leader, so we know the ropes. Our expertise is backed by our ICHRA administration platform, which has built-in, automatic updates to ensure compliance and provides all necessary ICHRA plan documents for both employers and employees.
We’re also an industry leader in customer support, so if you or your clients have questions, we’re an excellent resource.
Health Insurance Calendar FAQ
Does ICHRA have its own set of dates and deadlines?
Yes, ICHRA has its own set of dates and deadlines. Some are specific to ICHRA, such as the plan date and employee notice deadlines. There are other deadlines for health insurance generally which apply to ICHRA as well.
What happens if you miss a deadline?
There are varying consequences for missing different ICHRA deadlines. If an employer is out of compliance for health coverage, they could face financial penalties, government investigations, or even a lawsuit. But your ICHRA administrator should provide tools to help keep them compliant.
What are the most important ICHRA dates to know?
All ICHRA deadlines are important, but if all those dates feel overwhelming, read about ICHRA plan documentation first, which will give you a great start.
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