Open Enrollment 2026: Don't Miss Your Window

Open Enrollment is the one time each year when almost anyone can enroll in a health plan or switch to a better one — no qualifying life event required. Miss the window and you may have to wait a full year for coverage. Here is how to make the most of it.

Key Dates to Know

For most Health Insurance Marketplace plans, Open Enrollment runs in the late fall and early winter. Enrolling by the earlier deadline typically means coverage starts January 1. Some states run their own exchanges with different dates, so confirm the exact deadlines for where you live.

What You Can Do During Open Enrollment

• Enroll in a new health plan for the first time
• Switch from your current plan to a different one
• Add or drop dependents
• Re-check whether you qualify for premium subsidies

Do Not Auto-Renew Without Checking

Letting your plan auto-renew is easy, but it can cost you. Plans change their networks, drug formularies, and prices every year. A plan that was a great fit last year may not be this year. Spend ten minutes comparing before you let it roll over.

Watch for Subsidies

Many households qualify for premium tax credits that dramatically lower monthly costs — and a large share never claim them. Income thresholds and subsidy amounts shift year to year, so it is worth re-checking even if you did not qualify before.

Missed the Window?

If you experience a qualifying life event — losing coverage, moving, marriage, or a new baby — you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period outside the normal window. A licensed agent can help you find out.