When Is Health Insurance Open Enrollment 2025-2026?
The Health Insurance Marketplace makes it possible for thousands of eligible individuals to get coverage, but you have to follow a specific timeline if you want to sign up. So when is open enrollment in 2025-2026 and beyond? Knowing the correct sign-up dates and special considerations is your first step to getting an affordable health insurance plan.
Navigating Health Insurance Open Enrollment
In general, open enrollment happens at the same time every year — the annual period when you can apply for coverage and select the right Marketplace health plan for you. In California, these plans are available through Covered California, the state’s official health insurance exchange.
Medicare enrollment follows its own schedule based on your birthdate, so the information below applies to ACA (Affordable Care Act) or “Obamacare” plans.
The Ebb and Flow of Enrollment Dates
When is open enrollment in 2025-2026? For most states, open registration begins on November 1, 2025, and ends on January 15, 2026. These dates are usually the same year after year, so you can register for coverage on a set schedule.
California, however, extends its Open Enrollment period through January 31, 2026, giving residents extra time to sign up for coverage through Covered California.
This period gives you about two and a half months to decide if you want Marketplace coverage and to determine which type of health insurance plan you want. Regardless of the plan you choose, you’ll have that plan for the next calendar year, unless you have a qualifying event that lets you change your policy, such as getting coverage through your job.
Why These Dates Matter to You
Keeping track of open registration dates is critical if you want to get health insurance through your state. If you miss open enrollment, you may not be able to sign up for the health insurance you need. You’ll be limited to plans that aren’t regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA — also known as Obamacare). These policies are usually designed as add-ons to your primary coverage, so you could spend the next year without adequate coverage.
Key Dates for 2025-2026 Enrollment
- November 1, 2025: Open Enrollment begins nationwide.
- December 15, 2025: Apply by this date for coverage that starts January 1, 2026.
- January 15, 2026: Deadline for most states.
- January 31, 2026: Final deadline for California residents enrolling through Covered California.
Understanding Your State’s Schedule
Some states run their own ACA marketplaces and set their own deadlines. California, along with New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia, extends Open Enrollment through January 31 each year.
If you live in California, you’ll apply through Covered California (CoveredCA.com) rather than HealthCare.gov. This is the only official place to get ACA plans and premium assistance in the state.
Marking Your Calendar: What to Do When
It does not take long to sign up for a Marketplace plan, so you can register at any point in the open registration period. However, planning ahead can help you get this critical task out of the way so you won’t have to stress about missing a health insurance enrollment deadline.
Preparing for Open Enrollment
Now that you know the deadlines, it’s time to start getting ready to sign up for your plan. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Documents and Information You’ll Need
When filling out your application for individual health insurance, be prepared with the following information:
- Social security or document numbers
- Employer information
- Estimated income
- Number of people who will be on your plan
- Details about current coverage
You may need to verify the information on your Marketplace application by submitting a few documents. The documents required for health insurance can vary depending on your situation, but they usually include documents verifying your citizenship, immigration status, or the status of your dependents.
Assessing Whether You Qualify for a Premium Subsidy
Under the Affordable Care Act, you may qualify for a tax credit that discounts your premium each month if your income is below a certain threshold. During the application process, the Marketplace website will review your estimated income to determine if you’re eligible for a subsidy, and if so, the amount for which you qualify.
Extended Enrollment Periods and Special Conditions
Sometimes, you can still get a policy outside of the standard open enrollment window. Here’s what you need to know.
Who Can Enroll Outside the Traditional Window?
You may be able to sign up for a policy after the January 31 health insurance deadline during special enrollment if any of these situations apply to you:
- You lose employer-sponsored or other health coverage
- You get married, divorced, or legally separated
- You have or adopt a child
- You move to a new county or ZIP code
- You gain citizenship or lawful presence
- You lose Medi-Cal coverage after redetermination
In most cases, you’ll have 60 days from the qualifying event to apply for new coverage
Get a Free Quote on Health Care Coverage Today from Freeway
If you want to register for a Marketplace plan, it’s important to know when you can start signing up for healthcare and when open enrollment ends. Paying attention to these dates will help you prepare for your application and ensure that you have the coverage you need. Mark the state and end dates on your calendar to make sure you’re on track. Californians can get free help signing up for a health insurance ACA plan under Covered California by calling 866-951-0476.
Signing up for medical coverage can be confusing, but there are people who can help. The Freeway Insurance team has the expertise to help you find the right Marketplace plan and explore additional supplemental coverage if you want more protection. Get the coverage you need at a nearby Freeway Insurance office, get an online quote, or call the team at 800-777-5620 today.
