open enrollment

American  

noun

1. open admissions.

2. enrollment at a public school of choice rather than compulsory assignment to a particular school because of where one lives.

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Etymology

Origin of open enrollment

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Outside of a six-month open enrollment window, you can be denied a policy or charged more based on your health status.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

The cancellations amount to 19% of those who had renewed their policies on the state marketplace during open enrollment, state officials said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

Advisers recommend reviewing Medicare plans every year during open enrollment and confirming that coverage still matches health needs and prescription usage.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

She decided to skip dental insurance during open enrollment this month to mitigate increases to her overall premiums, and she downgraded her home insurance policy to a higher-deductible option with lower yearly payments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Oakland’s open enrollment process allowed families to apply to any school in the district, and Oakland High was a popular choice.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater