Open enrollment for 2025 health insurance, which will cover 2026, runs from Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026, for most states. Enrolling by Dec. 15, 2025, guarantees coverage that starts on Jan. 1, 2026. If you miss this period, you can enroll only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to a qualifying life event, such as moving, getting married, or losing other coverage.
Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA)
For most states using HealthCare.gov, the key dates are:
• Nov. 1, 2025: Open enrollment begins. This is the first day to enroll in, renew or change a health plan for 2026.
• Dec. 15, 2025: Last day to enroll for coverage to start on Jan. 1, 2026.
• Jan. 15, 2026: Open enrollment ends. If you enroll between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15, your coverage will begin on Feb. 1, 2026.
Some states have their own marketplaces with different deadlines. For example, Idaho’s enrollment period is from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15, 2025, for 2026 coverage.
Medicare
Medicare’s annual enrollment period for people already on Medicare is from Oct. 15, 2025, to Dec. 7, 2025. During this time, you can:
• Switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
If you miss the standard open enrollment period, you may still be able to get coverage if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). A qualifying life event could include:
• Losing your health coverage.
• Getting married.
• Having a baby.
• Moving.
Where to enroll
• For most individuals and families: Use HealthCare.gov or your state’s health insurance marketplace if your state has one.
• For federal employees: The “Open Season” period is a separate enrollment period for federal employees.
• Through an employer: The open enrollment period is determined by your employer. You should contact your supervisor or human resources representative for details.
What to do during open enrollment
• Update your application: It is important to update your application, even if you had coverage for 2025 to reflect any changes in income or household, and to explore new plans.
• Compare plans and prices: Make sure you have the right savings and coverage for the upcoming year.
• Gather documents: Have necessary information ready, such as names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers for everyone on your plan.
Important considerations for 2025-26
• Check for changes: Your current plan may change its coverage, providers and costs for the new year. Reviewing your options allows you to find a plan that better fits your needs or saves you money.
• Tax credits may expire: Extended and enhanced tax credits that have made Marketplace coverage more affordable since 2022 are set to expire at the end of 2025. Congressional action is needed to extend them.
• Subsidies for low-income individuals: You may be eligible for a subsidy to help pay for health insurance. Update your financial information during enrollment to confirm eligibility.
• Coverage changes: For 2026 plans, you can review new benefits, including a cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under all Medicare plans.