When is open enrollment for Ascen benefits?
Last updated: November 11, 2026
Applies to: US W-2 employees who are eligible for Ascen's health benefits. Independent contractors, Canadian T4 employees and international workers are not on Ascen's US benefit plans, so they have no open enrollment with us. Not sure which you are? See Am I a W-2 employee or a 1099 independent contractor? (US).
Summary: Ascen's annual open enrollment is usually held in June, and the choices you make then apply to the new plan year that starts on July 1. Between open enrollments you can only change your elections after a Qualifying Life Event, and the exact open enrollment dates can change from year to year.
Why it isn't in the fall
Many employers hold open enrollment in October or November because their plan year follows the calendar year. Ascen's plan year runs from July 1 to June 30, so our open enrollment comes in June, just before the new plan year starts. If you are used to a fall open enrollment, there is nothing you need to do now.
If you enrolled as a new hire
The elections you made when you first became eligible stay in place for the rest of the current plan year, through June 30. Your next chance to change them is open enrollment in June, unless you have a Qualifying Life Event before then. See When do I enroll in healthcare benefits?.
If you declined coverage or missed your enrollment window
You can enroll at the next open enrollment. You may be able to enroll sooner if you have a Qualifying Life Event, such as losing other health coverage:
Email support@ascen.com within 30 days of the event.
Attach your supporting document. A request without one can't be processed. See What documentation is required for a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)?.
See What is a Qualifying Life Event? for what counts as a Qualifying Life Event.
What you can do at open enrollment
During open enrollment you can review your elections and change them for the coming plan year for any reason. For example, you can enroll, switch plans, add or remove dependents, or drop coverage. Changes you make at open enrollment apply to the new plan year, which starts on July 1.
Open enrollment takes place in the Ascen portal at app.ascen.com. Keep the email address on your Ascen account up to date so you see messages about it.
Your 401(k) works differently
Open enrollment is about your health and other insurance elections. You can change your 401(k) contribution at any time during the year. See How to Update Your 401(k) Contribution.
Where to get help
Questions about your elections, your eligibility or open enrollment dates: email support@ascen.com.
Questions about what a plan covers, claims or your ID card: see Who do I contact about my healthcare benefits?.