Open Enrollment Reminders
With Open Enrollment less than a month away, CareFirst wants to share additional reminders and updates as you prepare to support your clients this season.

Auto-Pay Shutoff Reminder for Members  
Members whose financial assistance decreases or ends for 2027 will have their Auto-Pay discontinued prior to the January 2027 premium payment.

Beginning December 16, CareFirst will start notifying impacted members by mail that their Auto-Pay has been disabled. Sample member letters for MD, DC, and VA are attached for your reference.

Please make members who may be impacted aware of this upcoming change and encourage them to carefully review and follow the instructions in their CareFirst letter, including steps for re-enrolling in Auto-Pay if desired.

CloseKnit Virtual Care Services
Members enrolled in plans that include Virtual Connect have access to virtual care services through CloseKnit.

CloseKnit’s 50-state, virtual services will be unchanged through 2027. This includes:

• Primary care
• Urgent care
• Behavioral health
• Nutrition services
• Breastfeeding and lactation support

ACA Commission Tips
Please see the attached ACA Commission Tips document for helpful reminders regarding commission eligibility and processing.

Reminder Key OEP Dates
As Open Enrollment approaches, CareFirst wants to re-share this year’s enrollment windows and important coverage effective date deadlines. Please mark the following dates on your calendar:

Maryland Open Enrollment Period: November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027
Effective date January 1: Enroll by December 31
Effective date February 1: Enroll January 1- January 15

Washington, D.C. Open Enrollment Period: November 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027
Effective date January 1: Enroll by December 15
Effective date February 1: Enroll December 16 - January 15
Effective date March 1: Enroll January 16 - January 31

Virginia Open Enrollment Period: November 1, 2026 – January 29, 2027
Effective date January 1: Enroll by December 31
Effective date February 1: Enroll January 1 – January 29

Encouraging clients to apply early can help avoid processing delays and ensure timely coverage effective dates.