Open Enrollment Period
Plain English
Open Enrollment is the time each year when you can sign up for or change a health plan for any reason. On the Marketplace it runs November 1 to January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Outside it, you need a Special Enrollment Period, unless you're applying for Medicaid or CHIP.
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On this page
Definition
The Open Enrollment Period is the yearly window when people can enroll in, renew or change a health insurance plan without a qualifying life event. On the federal Health Insurance Marketplace it runs from November 1 to January 15, with December 15 the last day to enroll for coverage starting January 1. Employer plans set their own open enrollment periods.
Why It Matters
Missing Open Enrollment can mean going without coverage until the next year, unless a life event qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. It's also the one time a year to switch plans if your needs, doctors or costs have changed.
Real-World Example
Imagine someone shops for a Marketplace plan on December 20. Because it's after December 15, their coverage starts February 1, not January 1. If they wait until January 20, after Open Enrollment ends, they'd generally need a qualifying life event to enroll before the next Open Enrollment.
Common Misconceptions
- You can enroll in a Marketplace plan any time of year. Outside Open Enrollment you generally need a Special Enrollment Period.
- Your plan renews unchanged, so there's nothing to check. Premiums, networks and drug lists can change each year.
- Employer and Marketplace open enrollment are the same. Employers set their own dates.
Key Takeaways
- Marketplace Open Enrollment: November 1 to January 15.
- Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.
- Enroll December 16 to January 15 for coverage starting February 1.
- Medicaid and CHIP accept applications any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is open enrollment for health insurance?
On the federal Marketplace, November 1 to January 15. Employer plans and some state Marketplaces set their own dates.
What happens if I miss open enrollment?
You generally can't enroll until the next Open Enrollment unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications any time.
Should I change plans during open enrollment?
It's worth checking: premiums, networks and covered drugs can change. Compare your current plan with others for the coming year.
State-specific note: Some states run their own Marketplaces and may set different Open Enrollment dates.
Related Terms
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Explore the rest of the Health Insurance category.
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The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- healthcare.govWhen can you get health insurance? · HealthCare.gov (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
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