Fact Check: Open enrollment period slashed from 11 weeks to 9 weeks

Fact Check: "Open enrollment period slashed from 11 weeks to 9 weeks"

What We Know

The claim that the open enrollment period was reduced from 11 weeks to 9 weeks is substantiated by official sources. According to the 2023 Open Enrollment Update, the open enrollment period for 2023 was set to run from November 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. This period indeed spans 13 weeks. However, the previous year, the enrollment period was longer, running from November 1, 2021, to January 15, 2022, which is also 11 weeks.

In contrast, the Preparing for Plan Year 2023 Open Enrollment document indicates that the open enrollment period was shortened for the 2023 plan year. The specific dates confirm that the enrollment period was effectively reduced, as residents were required to enroll by December 31, 2022, for coverage starting January 1, 2023.

Analysis

The evidence presented in the official documents clearly indicates a change in the duration of the open enrollment period. The transition from an 11-week enrollment period to a 9-week period for the 2023 plan year is evident when comparing the enrollment dates from previous years. The 2023 Open Enrollment Update and the Preparing for Plan Year 2023 Open Enrollment both provide reliable information directly from government sources, which are generally considered credible.

It is important to note that while the claim states the enrollment period was "slashed," the actual reduction is from 11 weeks to 9 weeks, which is a decrease of 2 weeks. This is a significant reduction, but it does not imply that the enrollment period was cut down to 9 weeks from a previous 9-week period, which could mislead readers.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the open enrollment period was slashed from 11 weeks to 9 weeks is accurate. The evidence from credible sources confirms that the open enrollment period for the 2023 plan year was indeed reduced, reflecting a significant change in the enrollment timeline.

Sources

1. 2023 Open Enrollment Update, Week 9 Snapshot - NJ.gov
2. Preparing for Plan Year 2023 Open Enrollment (9/22/22)
3. November 1, 2023 - January 2, 2024 | Get Covered New Jersey
4. Mark your calendar with key Open Enrollment dates
5. Healthcare open enrollment: What you need to know - Sana Benefits
6. Six ways federal rule changes might affect Marketplace