What Is Open Enrollment and When Is It in 2026?

Key Takeaways

Open enrollment is the yearly window to enroll in, renew or switch health insurance plans. The ACA Marketplace period runs from Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026, per HealthCare.gov.

Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2025, for Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plan changes in 2026, per Medicare.gov.

A qualifying life event gives you 60 days to enroll in or change Marketplace coverage through a special enrollment period, per HealthCare.gov.

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) allow year-round enrollment with no open enrollment restrictions, per HealthCare.gov.

What Is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the yearly window when you can sign up for, renew or change your health insurance plan. The ACA Marketplace open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 each year, per HealthCare.gov. Outside this window, you can't enroll in or switch Marketplace coverage unless a qualifying life event triggers a special enrollment period. Medicare and employer-sponsored plans follow separate enrollment schedules.

Enroll in a New Plan Sign up for health coverage for the first time through the Marketplace, Medicare Advantage or your employer's group health plan.
Renew Your Current Plan Keep your existing ACA Marketplace, Medicare or employer plan for the next coverage year. Your insurer mails an annual notice of changes before open enrollment with updated premiums and benefits for 2026.
Switch Plans or Metal Tiers Change to a different health plan, insurer or metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum). Compare health insurance plans side by side to find a better match for your budget and health care needs.
Add or Remove Dependents Update your plan to include or drop a spouse, child or other household member. Adding dependents increases your monthly premium, though children may qualify for CHIP at lower cost.
Drop Coverage Cancel your plan entirely. You won't have health insurance until the next open enrollment period or a qualifying life event. But five states and Washington, D.C., still charge penalties for going uninsured.

When Is Open Enrollment in 2026?

Open enrollment dates vary by insurance type. ACA Marketplace open enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026, while Medicare open enrollment for Part C and Part D runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2025. Employer-sponsored plan enrollment periods vary by company but usually fall between September and November. Missing your enrollment deadline may leave you without coverage until the next enrollment window.


ACA Marketplace	Nov. 1, 2025--Jan. 15, 2026	Jan. 1 or Feb. 1, 2026
Medicare (Parts C and D)	Oct. 15--Dec. 7, 2025	Jan. 1, 2026
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment	Jan. 1--March 31, 2026	First of month after request
Employer-Sponsored	Varies by employer (usually fall)	Jan. 1, 2026 (most plans)

STATE-BASED EXCHANGES MAY HAVE DIFFERENT DEADLINES

California, New York, Massachusetts and other states that run their own health insurance marketplaces set their own enrollment periods. Some extend open enrollment past Jan. 15. Enroll by Dec. 15 for Marketplace coverage starting Jan. 1 or by Jan. 15 for coverage starting Feb. 1, per HealthCare.gov.

Can You Make Changes Outside of Open Enrollment?

You can enroll in or change health insurance outside of open enrollment through a special enrollment period. HealthCare.gov gives Marketplace applicants 60 days before or 60 days after a qualifying life event to select a new plan. Employer-sponsored plans must offer at least 30 days for enrollment after a qualifying event, per the U.S. Department of Labor. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round regardless of life events.

Loss of Job-Based Coverage

Losing employer health insurance, aging off a parent's plan at 26, losing Medicaid or CHIP eligibility, and COBRA expiration all qualify. You have 60 days from the coverage loss to enroll in a Marketplace plan, per HealthCare.gov.

Marriage

Getting married qualifies you to add your spouse or join a new plan. Pick a Marketplace plan by the last day of the month for coverage starting the first of the next month, per HealthCare.gov.

Birth or Adoption

Having a baby, adopting a child or placing a child in foster care triggers a special enrollment period. Marketplace coverage can start the day of the event, even if you enroll up to 60 days afterward, per HealthCare.gov. Newborns get automatic coverage under the birth parent's plan for 30 days.

Divorce or Legal Separation

Losing health insurance through a divorce or legal separation qualifies you for special enrollment. But divorce without loss of coverage doesn't qualify.

Relocation

Moving to a new ZIP code or county where different health plans are available opens a special enrollment period. Moving only for medical treatment or vacation doesn't qualify

Income Change

A change in household income that makes you newly eligible for Medicaid, CHIP or Marketplace premium tax credits qualifies for special enrollment.

What Happens if You Miss Open Enrollment?

Missing the open enrollment deadline doesn't always mean going without health insurance until next year. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round at HealthCare.gov or through your state's Medicaid agency. You may also qualify for a special enrollment period if you've had a qualifying life event within the past 60 days. Medicare Part B and Part D charge late enrollment penalties that increase the longer you wait to sign up.

Apply for Medicaid or CHIP

Medicaid and CHIP accept applications any time, year-round. Eligibility depends on household income and family size. Apply at HealthCare.gov or contact your state's Medicaid office. Coverage can start immediately if you qualify.

Check for a Qualifying Life Event

If you've lost coverage, gotten married, had a baby or moved in the past 60 days, you may still qualify for a special enrollment period through HealthCare.gov. You'll have 60 days from the event to select a plan.

Buy Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term plans are available year-round in most states with no enrollment restrictions. These plans don't cover pre-existing conditions and don't count as minimum essential coverage under the ACA.

Use Community Health Centers

Federally qualified health centers offer primary care, dental services and mental health care on a sliding fee scale based on income, per the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). You don't need insurance to receive care.

Which Types of Insurance Require Open Enrollment?

Most health-related insurance plans restrict enrollment to a fixed annual window. ACA Marketplace plans, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and employer group health plans all require enrollment during their designated open enrollment period. You can't sign up for or switch these plans outside their enrollment windows unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.


ACA Marketplace	Yes	Nov. 1--Jan. 15
Medicare Advantage (Part C)	Yes	Oct. 15--Dec. 7
Medicare Part D (drug plans)	Yes	Oct. 15--Dec. 7
Employer group health	Yes	Set by employer
Medigap (Medicare Supplement)	One-time 6-month window	First 6 months after Part B starts at 65+

Which Plans Don't Require Open Enrollment?

Several insurance types allow enrollment at any time without waiting for an annual open enrollment window. Medicaid, CHIP and individual dental and vision plans all follow different rules from ACA Marketplace and Medicare coverage.

Medicaid and CHIP Apply any time, year-round, at HealthCare.gov or through your state's Medicaid agency. Eligibility is based on household income and family size.
Individual Dental and Vision Plans Dental and vision plans sold outside the Marketplace are available year-round with no enrollment restrictions.

How to Prepare for Open Enrollment in 2026

Preparing before open enrollment starts saves time and helps you avoid gaps in coverage or extra costs. Review your current plan documents, gather income and household information, and verify that your doctors and prescriptions are covered under the plans you're considering. HealthCare.gov recommends comparing plans before selecting coverage for 2026 to find the best price for the benefits you need.

1
Review your plan's annual notice of changes.
Check updates to premiums, deductibles, copays, covered drugs and provider networks for 2026. Your insurer mails this notice before open enrollment starts.
2
Gather your documents.
You'll need tax returns or pay stubs for income verification, Social Security numbers for everyone in your household and information about any employer coverage available to you.
3
List your doctors, specialists and prescriptions.
Verify they're in-network and on the formulary for plans you're considering. Switching plans may mean switching providers.
4
Estimate your health care costs for 2026
If you expect surgery, pregnancy or ongoing prescriptions, a plan with higher premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs may save you money over the year.
5
Preview plans and prices early.
Use MoneyGeek's health insurance calculator to estimate what you'll pay. HealthCare.gov also lets you preview Marketplace plans and cost estimates before enrollment opens. Medicare enrollees can compare options at Medicare.gov/plan-compare starting Oct. 1.
6
Set deadline reminders.
Mark Jan. 15, 2026, for Marketplace enrollment and Dec. 7, 2025, for Medicare. Employer deadlines vary by company, so check with your HR department or benefits administrator.

Bottom Line

Open enrollment gives you one window each year to sign up for or change health insurance. Marketplace enrollment for 2026 runs from Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026. Medicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7, 2025. If you miss the deadline, check whether you qualify for a special enrollment period or year-round Medicaid. Compare plans before enrolling to choose coverage that fits your budget and health care needs.

Open Enrollment: FAQ

We answer common questions about open enrollment periods, qualifying life events and coverage deadlines:

What is the difference between Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment?

Open enrollment is a fixed annual window available to all eligible people. The ACA Marketplace period runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 each year. A special enrollment period is a 60-day window triggered by a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, birth or adoption. Only people with a qualifying event can use special enrollment.

What happens if you don't enroll during Open Enrollment?

You'll go without Marketplace or Medicare Advantage coverage until the next enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. Medicare Part B and Part D charge late enrollment penalties that increase the longer you wait.

Can you get health insurance outside of Open Enrollment?

A qualifying life event lets you enroll in a Marketplace plan within 60 days of the event, per HealthCare.gov. You can also apply for Medicaid or CHIP year-round. Short-term health insurance is available in most states without an enrollment window, though it doesn't cover pre-existing conditions.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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