2026 Open Enrollment Period: Federal Marketplace Deadlines

The Open Enrollment Period is the annual window during which anyone can enroll in or change an ACA Marketplace health plan. For states using HealthCare.gov (the federal Marketplace), the 2026 Open Enrollment Period runs from November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026.

If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will begin on February 1, 2026. This means you will have a gap in coverage for the month of January if you do not enroll by December 15.

State-Based Marketplace Deadlines

Several states operate their own Marketplace platforms and set their own enrollment deadlines. Many state-based Marketplaces extend their Open Enrollment Period beyond the federal January 15 deadline. Check your state's Marketplace website for specific dates if you live in one of the following states:

• California (Covered California)
• Colorado (Connect for Health Colorado)
• Connecticut (Access Health CT)
• District of Columbia (DC Health Link)
• Idaho (Your Health Idaho)
• Maine (CoverME.gov)
• Maryland (Maryland Health Connection)
• Massachusetts (Massachusetts Health Connector)
• Minnesota (MNsure)
• Nevada (Nevada Health Link)
• New Jersey (Get Covered New Jersey)
• New Mexico (beWellnm)
• New York (NY State of Health)
• Pennsylvania (Pennie)
• Rhode Island (HealthSource RI)
• Vermont (Vermont Health Connect)
• Washington (Washington Healthplanfinder)

Special Enrollment Period Deadlines

If you experience a Qualifying Life Event — such as losing job-based coverage, moving to a new area, getting married, or having a baby — you have a 60-day window from the date of the event to enroll in or change a Marketplace plan. This is called a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

The 60-day window is strict. If you miss it, you will need to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period unless you experience another qualifying event. It is critical to act quickly when you have a qualifying event. See our Special Enrollment Periods guide for a complete list of qualifying events.

Medicaid and CHIP: No Enrollment Deadlines

Unlike Marketplace plans, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have no enrollment periods. You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time of year. If you are approved, your coverage typically begins on the first day of the month in which you applied (or even retroactively in some cases).

If you think you might qualify for Medicaid based on your income, you should apply immediately — do not wait for Open Enrollment. Medicaid eligibility is determined by your current monthly income, not your annual income, so even if your income fluctuates, you may qualify during low-income months.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you miss the Open Enrollment deadline and do not have a qualifying life event for a Special Enrollment Period, you will not be able to enroll in a Marketplace plan until the next Open Enrollment Period. This means you could go without comprehensive health coverage for up to a full year.

Your only options if you miss the deadline are: (1) check your Medicaid eligibility, which has no enrollment period; (2) see if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on a recent life event; or (3) consider a short-term health plan, which is not ACA-compliant and has significant coverage limitations.