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Open Enrollment Period

Open Enrollment is the annual window — typically November 1 through January 15 — when anyone can sign up for, switch, or cancel an ACA health insurance plan without needing a qualifying life event.

What Is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the annual window when you can enroll in a new health insurance plan, switch plans, or cancel coverage through the ACA marketplace. For 2026, Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026.

Key Dates

  • November 1: Open Enrollment begins — you can start shopping and enrolling
  • December 15: Deadline for coverage starting January 1
  • January 15: Final deadline — coverage starts February 1

Some state-based exchanges (California, New York, etc.) may have extended deadlines. Check your state exchange for exact dates.

What Happens Outside Open Enrollment?

Outside OEP, you can only enroll in an ACA marketplace plan if you have a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period. However:

  • Private ACA-compliant plans purchased directly from carriers follow the same OEP rules
  • Short-term health insurance can be purchased any time — no enrollment window
  • Medicaid/CHIP enrollment is year-round

Don't wait until January: If you enroll by December 15, your coverage starts January 1. If you wait until January 15, coverage doesn't start until February 1 — leaving you uninsured for a month. The best time to enroll is early November.

What If I Miss Open Enrollment?

If you miss OEP and don't have a qualifying life event, your options until the next OEP are: short-term health insurance, supplemental plans, or Medicaid (if eligible). These may leave gaps in coverage. See our guide for the recently uninsured.

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Last updated: March 30, 2026.

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