What are the key dates?
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment begins for most states. |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to pick a plan if you want coverage to start January 1, 2027. |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends in most states. A plan chosen after December 15 starts later, usually February 1. |
Some state-run marketplaces use different start and end dates. Our state pages list the exact dates for every state where we are licensed.
Who needs to enroll during open enrollment?
Anyone who buys their own health insurance and wants a marketplace plan for next year. If you already have a marketplace plan, it usually renews on its own, but the price, the doctors in the network and the covered drugs can all change. Review your renewal notice and compare plans instead of letting it renew by default.
You may not need Marketplace coverage if you have coverage through work, Medicare or Medicaid. Family members offered coverage through work may still qualify for Marketplace savings. See our family coverage affordability guide. Medicare has its own enrollment period.
What if I miss open enrollment?
Outside open enrollment you can only buy a marketplace plan if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving or having a baby. Those events open a special enrollment period, usually 60 days long. Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program accept applications all year.
How can an agent help?
A licensed independent agent can compare plans from several insurers, check which doctors and drugs each plan covers and help you apply for savings. Marketplace plans cost the same whether you enroll through an agent or on your own, so the help does not add to your premium.
See our Individual & Family plans
Major medical coverage for you and your household, with subsidies applied where you qualify.Special enrollment deadline calculator
Enter the date of a life event to see your 60-day window to pick a health plan.
Talk to a licensed agent
We compare plans, explain the tradeoffs and help you enroll. It costs you nothing.