When Is Open Enrollment for 2026?

Open enrollment represents the yearly period where employees enroll in employer-sponsored insurance and healthcare plans. During this period, employees typically have the power to select new coverage, change their current benefit and coverage elections or maintain the same coverage they had prior to open enrollment. The healthcare open enrollment period typically runs from November to January 15, but some states offer extended or abbreviated timelines. We take a closer look in this guide.

A financial advisor can provide insight on the best health insurance options for your long-term financial plans.

What Are the Dates for Open Enrollment?

For 2025 coverage, open enrollment dates will vary depending on whether you are enrolling through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, a state-run exchange, or an employer-sponsored plan.

Federal Health Insurance Marketplace

The federal Health Insurance Marketplace typically runs its open enrollment period from November 1 through January 15 each year. As a result, the open enrollment period for 2026 began Nov. 1, 2025, and ended Jan. 15, 2026.

However, there are specific deadlines within this window. For example, to have coverage start on January 1, you generally need to enroll or make changes by December 15. Enrollments or changes made after this date but before January 15 usually result in coverage beginning on February 1. It’s worth noting this coverage is different from Medicare, which is only available to retirees and has an open enrollment from October 15 to December 7 every year.

State-Run Marketplaces

Some states with their own health insurance exchanges may have different open enrollment periods. States like California and New York often extend their enrollment windows beyond the federal deadlines.

The following states adhere to a different open enrollment timeframes:

California: Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026
New Jersey: Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026
Idaho: Oct. 15, 2025, to Dec. 15, 2026
Maryland: Nov. 1, 2025, to Dec. 15, 2026
Massachusetts: Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 23, 2026
New York: Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026
Rhode Island: Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026

If you live in a state with its own exchange, visit your state’s marketplace website to confirm its specific timeline. These extended deadlines can provide added flexibility for individuals and families needing more time to finalize their health coverage decisions. This is especially true for families who work on a monthly budget.

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

For those covered by employer-sponsored health plans, open enrollment dates are set by the employer and usually occur in the fall. The specific timeframe can vary widely but often lasts a few weeks. During this period, employees can select new plans, adjust coverage levels, or add dependents. Employers typically notify their workforce in advance, so pay attention to internal communications to avoid missing your enrollment period.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

SEPs provide health insurance to individuals who missed the yearly open enrollment period. There are eligibility requirements, though. You may qualify if you’ve lost health coverage, moved to a different location, gotten married, adopted a child or had your household income drop below a certain threshold. But eligibility requirements may vary by state.

Depending on your SEP type, you may have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time. Job-based plans must provide a Special Enrollment Period of at least 30 days.

If you don’t qualify for the SEP, you can still enroll in short-term health insurance. These plans can come with terms ranging from 30 days to three months. Your premiums may also be affected.

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What Changes You Can and Cannot Make During Open Enrollment

During open enrollment, individuals generally have the ability to select a new health plan, change their existing coverage, or keep their current plan. This may include adjusting coverage levels, switching insurers, or adding or removing dependents. Choices made during this period usually apply for the full plan year.

Outside of open enrollment, most plan changes are restricted. Updates such typically require a qualifying life event such as a birth, death, or divorce. Without such an event, coverage elections made during open enrollment usually remain in place until the next enrollment period.

The scope of permitted changes can vary by plan type. Health Insurance Marketplace plans and employer-sponsored plans often follow different rules and processes. Employer plans may allow limited adjustments to certain benefits, while marketplace plans follow federal or state exchange guidelines.

Missing open enrollment can limit options for the year ahead. Individuals who do not make changes during this window may have to wait until the next enrollment period or qualify for a special enrollment period to update coverage. This makes open enrollment the primary opportunity to align health insurance choices with anticipated needs especially if you’re about to make a major financial decision, like applying for a mortgage.

Bottom Line

Open enrollment for the federal Health Insurance Marketplace begins November 1 and runs through January 15. However, some states follow their own open enrollment schedules, so it’s best to verify your state’s timeframe each year. Meanwhile, if you get insurance through your employer, open enrollment is typically held in the fall. A financial advisor can help answer your questions about health insurance costs, HSAs, and other expenses.

Tips for Saving on Health Insurance

If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional health insurance, you do have some options at your disposal. Consider our review of the five alternatives to paying for health insurance.
A financial advisor can help you plan and save for medical care, including your insurance premiums. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.