When Can I Enroll in Health Insurance? Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment
Key takeaways
- Open Enrollment for Marketplace plans starts November 1 each year. End dates vary by state and year.
- Outside Open Enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event, which usually opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period.
- Medicaid and CHIP accept applications all year.
- Missing the deadline can mean waiting until next year, so confirm your state's dates with your agent.
When is Open Enrollment?
In most states, Open Enrollment for individual and family plans starts on November 1. For 2027 coverage, HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027: enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, and later enrollments start February 1. State-run marketplaces set their own dates, and some open earlier or close later. Enrolling by mid-December usually means coverage starts January 1.
What counts as a qualifying life event?
- Losing other health coverage, such as a job-based plan
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county
- Getting married, having a baby or adopting a child
- Certain changes in income or household
Most events give you 60 days to enroll. Some require documents.
What if I missed the deadline?
Check whether you had a qualifying event in the last 60 days. If not, you may still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, or have other options outside the Marketplace. An agent can check quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change plans after Open Enrollment?
Usually only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, for example after a move or a change in household.
Does losing my job let me enroll?
Yes. Losing job-based coverage is a qualifying life event, generally with 60 days to choose a new plan.
When does my coverage start?
It depends on when you enroll and why. During Open Enrollment, enrolling by mid-December typically means a January 1 start.
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules and dates can change each year; confirm details for your state with your agent or the official source.