2026 Open Enrollment: Dates, Deadlines & How to Sign Up

When is Open Enrollment for 2026?

For most of the country, Open Enrollment typically runs from November 1 to mid-January. Some states operate their own marketplaces and may open earlier or extend their deadlines, so the exact dates can vary by where you live.

Why the deadline matters

If you miss Open Enrollment and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (more on that below), you generally have to wait until the next year to enroll. There's also usually a difference between two key cutoffs:

• An earlier deadline to have coverage start on January 1
• A final deadline to enroll at all for the year, with coverage starting a bit later

Because these dates shift and vary by state, the safest move is to enroll as early in the window as you can.

Missed the window? Special Enrollment Periods

Outside of Open Enrollment, you can still get covered if you have a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You usually have about 60 days from the event to enroll. Common qualifying events include:

• Losing other health coverage (a job change, aging off a parent's plan, or losing Medicaid)
• Getting married or divorced
• Having a baby, adopting, or placing a child for adoption
• Moving to a new ZIP code or county with different plans
• Certain changes in income or household size

If a major life change just happened, don't wait — Special Enrollment Periods are time-limited. A licensed agent can confirm whether you qualify and help you enroll the same day.

How to sign up: a simple step-by-step

1. Gather your basics. You'll need household size, estimated annual income, ZIP code, and birthdates for everyone applying.
2. Check your subsidy. Your income and household size determine your premium tax credit. See our subsidies & savings page for how it works.
3. Compare plans. Weigh the metal tiers and find the right fit — start with our plan comparison or read Bronze vs. Silver vs. Gold.
4. Confirm doctors and prescriptions. Make sure your providers are in-network and your medications are covered.
5. Enroll and pay your first premium. Coverage only becomes active once that first payment is made — a step people sometimes forget.

Prefer not to do it alone? Our how it works page shows the full process, and a licensed agent can handle the comparison and paperwork with you at no cost.

A few quick tips

• Don't auto-renew blindly. Plans and prices change every year — re-shopping during Open Enrollment can save real money.
• Update your income estimate. Your subsidy is based on it, so keep it current to avoid surprises at tax time.
• Enroll early. Beating the rush means a smoother sign-up and coverage that starts on time.

The bottom line

Open Enrollment is your annual chance to lock in affordable, comprehensive coverage. The window typically opens November 1 and closes in mid-January, but exact dates vary — so confirm yours and enroll early. And if life just threw you a curveball, a Special Enrollment Period may let you sign up right now.