As an individual or family that is in need of health insurance, missing an open enrollment period can be an incredibly stressful situation to be in. You’re limited in regards to the coverage you can get, how much it will cost, and where you need to go to obtain it. However, missing your open enrollment period does not always have to be a bad thing. In fact, it has some potential positive benefits.

Firstly, for individuals or families that are uninsured or underinsured, missing the open enrollment allows you to assess your current financial situation and pick the best plan for you. Taking your time to look at your options gives you the chance to compare plans and coverage before making a choice. You’ll have more time to see if any plans offer discounts or incentives that could save you money, such as tax credits or subsidies that can decrease the cost of health insurance.

Another advantage of missing your open enrollment is that it gives you the opportunity to research your specific health related needs. It’s possible that you may find plans that offer specialized coverage that might not have been available during an open enrollment period. For instance, some states may have affordable plans that provide coverage for mental health services that are otherwise costly. Additionally, not rushing into buying a health plan can help you think about what type of care you currently use and what type of coverage you might need in the near future.

Finally, when you miss your open enrollment period, you may still be able to get health insurance in certain circumstances such as if you’ve recently lost your job, moved to a new state, experienced a change in marital status or had a baby. A number of special enrollment options are available for those who qualify, and it can be a great way to get the necessary health coverage when it’s needed most.

Missing your open enrollment period doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Taking the extra time to research your options can provide greater insight into the coverage that best fits your needs and give you peace of mind knowing that you made an informed decision before choosing your plan.