when does open enrollment start

Open enrollment for health insurance for the 2026 coverage year starts on November 1, 2025, and usually ends on January 15, 2026, in most states. Some states with their own healthcare marketplaces may have slightly different or extended enrollment periods, some ending as late as January 31, 2026. During this period, individuals can sign up for, renew, or change their health insurance plans. If enrollment is done by December 15, coverage typically starts on January 1, 2026. Missing this period may require qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period based on certain life events to enroll outside of the open enrollment timeframe.