February 10, 2026

Missed Open Enrollment? Here Are Your Healthcare Options Without Insurance

Missing open enrollment can feel stressful – especially if you need healthcare now and don’t know what’s available outside of insurance.

If you missed the enrollment deadline, chose not to enroll, or are rethinking your options, you’re not alone.

Every year, millions of people search for answers to the same questions:

  • What happens if I missed open enrollment?
  • Can I get the healthcare I need without insurance?
  • Do I really have to wait a full year to get care for me and my family?

The good news: Missing open enrollment does not mean you’re out of options.

Why Open Enrollment Can Feel So Restrictive

Health insurance is built around fixed enrollment periods, not real life.

You’re expected to predict your health needs months in advance, commit during a short window, then wait until next year if circumstances change.

If you missed that window – and you still want solid care – you might be feeling stuck right now.

But healthcare needs don’t follow calendars.

Illness, injury, stress, and preventive care can happen year-round.

Healthcare Options Without Insurance: Medical Cost Sharing

If you’re looking for a healthcare option that’s not insurance, Medical Cost Sharing offers an affordable, flexible alternative.

Knew Health is a Medical Cost Sharing Community with no open enrollment periods – you can join when the time is right for you.

Instead of paying a premium, Members:

  • Make a predictable monthly Community contribution
  • Share eligible medical expenses with a like-minded Community
  • Access Wellness Services & Resources included in their Membership
  • Pay discounted self-pay rates for medical care
  • Receive step-by-step guidance from a dedicated, expert Care Team

It’s a simple, human approach to healthcare, focused on clarity, affordability, and real support.

How Health Sharing Can Lower Medical Costs

When you’re a Member of the Knew Health Community, you’re a self-pay patient who receives share-outs for eligible Medical Needs.


Many people assume paying out-of-pocket is more expensive.

In reality, self-pay patients often receive 20-50% discounts, sometimes more.

In addition to sharing in Medical Needs, Knew Health helps Members by:

  • Finding fair self-pay pricing
  • Negotiating medical bills (reducing costs by up to 90%)
  • Supporting Members through every step of the billing process

When an eligible Medical Need arises, expenses can be submitted for Community sharing according to clear, transparent guidelines.

From there, you receive your share-out via check or ACH deposit within 7-14 business days.


We’re proud to say that since opening in 2019, every eligible Medical Need has been shared.

Proactive Healthcare Support – Not Just Emergency Care

Healthcare shouldn’t only exist when something goes wrong.

That’s why your Knew Health Membership includes proactive Wellness Services & Resources, at low or no cost.

  • Routine well-visits and preventive screenings
  • No-cost and low-cost lab work (often 90-95% less)
  • 24/7 telemedicine access
  • Expert medical bill negotiation
  • 1:1 Health Coaching
  • An annual Self-Care Credit for chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, or gym memberships
  • Live wellness sessions and digital fitness classes
  • Major discounts on high-quality supplements and wellness products

The Knew Health approach is designed to support your everyday health and your emergency moments.

What To Do If You Missed Open Enrollment

Missing open enrollment doesn’t mean you failed to plan – it means the system wasn’t built for real-life needs.

You deserve a healthcare option that:

  • Works year-round
  • Fits your lifestyle and budget
  • Provides clarity rather than confusion
  • Treats you like a person, not a policy

Medical Cost Sharing offers peace of mind without enrollment deadlines or pressure.

Is this what you’ve been looking for?

See if Knew Health is right for you and calculate your Membership cost today.

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