When a client asks about changing plans mid-year, what steps should you take?

• A. Advise them to stay in current plan until annual renewal.
• B. Check SEP eligibility, explain options and timelines, and assist with enrollment if eligible.
• C. Automatically enroll them in the most similar plan.
• D. Refer to their employer for approval.

Answer: (B)

When a client asks to change plans mid-year, the first step is to determine if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This window allows changes outside the usual open enrollment, but only if a qualifying event or trigger applies. If they are SEP-eligible, you explain the plan options available to them, lay out the enrollment timelines (including when coverage would start and any deadlines to submit the enrollment), and help them complete the enrollment so the new coverage takes effect appropriately. This approach keeps the process compliant and helps prevent gaps in coverage, since changes during SEP are permitted and processed with the correct effective dates.

If SEP eligibility isn’t met, mid-year changes aren’t typically allowed, so you’d guide the client toward the next open enrollment period or any employer-specific options that might apply, ensuring they understand the best path given their situation.