When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance 2026? (What to Know & Key Dates)

Open enrollment is your annual opportunity to enroll in or change health insurance, unless you have a qualifying life event (like a job change or marriage). Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 open enrollment period.

⏳ Open Enrollment Dates for 2026 Coverage

Most states follow this timeline:

• Starts: November 1, 2025

• Ends: January 15, 2026

  • Enroll by December 15 for a January 1, 2026 coverage start

  • Enroll after December 15 (through January 15) - coverage begins February 1

Exceptions exist: States with their own marketplaces may extend deadlines. For example, Virginia allows enrollment through January 30, 2026.

Starting in 2027, there will be a new rule: open enrollment in federal exchange states will end by December 15, and state-run exchanges cannot run past December 31.

Quick Reference: Open Enrollment Timeline

Window	Coverage Effective Date
November 1 – December 15	Starts January 1, 2026
December 16 – January 15	Starts February 1, 2026
States with later deadlines	Check your state-specific rules

What Happens After Open Enrollment?

• Once January 15 passes (or your state’s deadline), you’ll generally be locked into your chosen plan, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to life changes.

• Some employers offer ICHRA (Individual Coverage HRA). If you receive one outside open enrollment, it may trigger a 60-day SEP to enroll.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Open enrollment runs November 1, 2025 - January 15, 2026, in most states, with coverage starting as early as January 1 if you apply by mid-December. If you miss the window or have questions about how changes may affect your rates, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help you review your options and get the coverage you deserve.