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

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

Now, open enrollment for next year’s plans is well under way.

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

Californians renewing their public health plans or who plan to sign up for the first time will be in for sticker shock when open enrollment begins on Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

In October, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona launched a television advertising campaign that coincided with the start of Medicare open enrollment.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 29, 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