Think of Open Enrollment as your yearly "shopping window" for health insurance. Outside this period, you generally can't buy or change individual health coverage unless you have a special qualifying event.
Key Open Enrollment Dates
- ACA Marketplace: November 1 - January 15 (for most states)
- Medicare: October 15 - December 7
- Employer Plans: Typically fall, varies by employer
- Medicare Advantage: January 1 - March 31 (to switch back to Original Medicare)
Coverage start dates depend on when you enroll:
- Enroll by December 15 = Coverage starts January 1
- Enroll December 16 - January 15 = Coverage starts February 1
What You Can Do During Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is your opportunity to:
- Sign up for new coverage if you're currently uninsured
- Switch health plans to get better coverage or lower costs
- Add or remove dependents from your plan
- Change coverage levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
- Update income information to adjust subsidies
- Re-enroll in your current plan (often automatic)
David has a Silver plan that costs $400/month. During Open Enrollment, he reviews his options and notices his income qualifies for a larger subsidy this year. He switches to a Gold plan that now costs the same $400/month but has better coverage and a lower deductible. By shopping during Open Enrollment, he upgraded his coverage at no extra cost.
What Happens If You Miss Open Enrollment?
Missing Open Enrollment means you'll likely go without health insurance until the next enrollment period, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Going uninsured can be risky:
- You pay full price for all medical care
- A single emergency could cost tens of thousands of dollars
- You may delay necessary care due to cost concerns
- Preventive care goes uncovered
Set a calendar reminder for October 15 every year. This gives you time to review your options, compare plans, and make an informed decision before the enrollment deadline.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)
A Special Enrollment Period lets you sign up for insurance outside Open Enrollment if you experience certain life changes. You typically have 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll.
Common Qualifying Life Events
- Loss of coverage: Job loss, aging off parents' plan, divorce, COBRA ending
- Family changes: Getting married, having or adopting a baby
- Moving: Relocating to a new state or ZIP code with different plan options
- Income changes: Gaining or losing eligibility for Medicaid or subsidies
- Other: Becoming a U.S. citizen, leaving incarceration, AmeriCorps service
Lisa gets married in April. Marriage is a qualifying life event, so she has 60 days to enroll in a health insurance plan through the Marketplace or add herself to her spouse's employer plan, even though Open Enrollment ended in January.
Open Enrollment for Different Types of Insurance
ACA Marketplace Plans
November 1 - January 15 is the standard window. Some states with their own marketplaces extend deadlines. Plans purchased here may qualify for premium tax credits based on income.
Employer-Sponsored Plans
Your employer sets their own Open Enrollment period, typically 2-4 weeks in the fall. Changes take effect January 1 or your employer's plan year start date.
Medicare
Medicare has multiple enrollment periods:
- Initial Enrollment: 7-month window around your 65th birthday
- Annual Election Period: October 15 - December 7 each year
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 - March 31
Don't Miss Your Enrollment Window
Our licensed agents can help you compare plans and enroll before the deadline. We'll make sure you understand your options and find the best coverage for your needs.
Get Free GuidanceFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to re-enroll every year?
Not necessarily. Many Marketplace plans auto-renew, so if you do nothing, you'll continue with your current plan. However, it's wise to review your options each year because premiums, benefits, and your healthcare needs may change.
Can I change my plan after Open Enrollment ends?
Only if you have a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period. Otherwise, you must wait until the next Open Enrollment to make changes (unless you're switching employers or have other specific circumstances).
What if I just turned 26 and am losing my parents' insurance?
Aging off a parent's plan is a qualifying life event. You have 60 days before or after turning 26 to enroll in your own coverage through a Special Enrollment Period.
Is Open Enrollment the same as Annual Enrollment?
Yes, these terms are often used interchangeably. "Open Enrollment" is more common for Marketplace plans, while "Annual Enrollment" is frequently used by employers and Medicare.