What Is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment is the annual period when you can enroll in, change, or cancel health insurance coverage without needing a qualifying life event. Outside of open enrollment, most changes are not allowed.
2025–2026 Open Enrollment Dates
- ACA Marketplace: November 1 – January 15
- Employer plans: Varies — typically October or November
- Medicare: October 15 – December 7
- Medicaid: Open year-round
⚠️ Missing open enrollment means waiting until the next year unless you have a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, birth of child, etc.).
What to Review During Open Enrollment
- Premium changes — did your premium go up?
- Network changes — are your doctors still in-network?
- Formulary changes — are your medications still covered?
- Deductible and OOP max changes
- Subsidy eligibility — has your income changed?
Compare Plans Before Open Enrollment
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