Beginning December 1, 2010, individuals and families will be able to buy their own health care coverage ONLY during these sign-up periods:

• July 1-August 15, 2011: For coverage that begins August 1 or September 1

You may be able to sign up at other times of the year if:

• -You aren't eligible for group coverage, Medicare, or Medicaid.
• -You most recently had at least 18 months of group coverage.

If neither of these apply to you, you can ask the Office of Patient Protection for an enrollment waiver. Please visit the Office of Patient Protection's website.

For more information about these new rules, visit the Massachusetts Division of Insurance's website.