ObamaCare Open Enrollment Period

When is Open Enrollment for ObamaCare, Medicaid, Medicare, and Other Insurance Types?

Open Enrollment is the annual window when you can enroll in, renew, or change ACA marketplace health plans and qualify for cost assistance.

For most states, Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage runs from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. Some state-run exchanges extend deadlines into late January.

Outside Open Enrollment, ACA major medical plans are only available if you qualify for a
Special Enrollment Period (SEP), or if you qualify for other coverage types like
Medicaid,
CHIP, Medicare, or employer plans.

If you miss Open Enrollment, your options narrow considerably.

ACA / ObamaCare Open Enrollment 2026 (For 2026 Plans)

• November 1, 2025: Open Enrollment starts.
• December 15, 2025: Last day to enroll for coverage that starts January 1, 2026.
• January 1, 2026: Earliest coverage start date.
• January 15, 2026: Open Enrollment ends in most states.
• February 1, 2026: Coverage start date for enrollments submitted Dec 16–Jan 15.

TIP: Enrollment before the 15th of any month results in coverage that starts the 1st of the next month.

State-Specific ACA Enrollment Deadlines for 2026

Some states extend Open Enrollment past January 15. Final dates for 2026 will be added once each state confirms its deadlines.

Check your state at HealthCare.gov (states with their own exchanges will redirect you).

NOTE: Final 2026 deadlines pending. These follow prior-year patterns.

Other Coverage Types and Their Enrollment Periods

Medicaid & CHIP

Medicaid and CHIP are open for enrollment year-round. Eligibility depends on household income, disability status, and state rules.

Medicare

• Initial Enrollment: 3 months before–3 months after your 65th birthday month
• General Enrollment (Part A & B): Jan 1 – Mar 31
• Annual Election Period (Part C & D): Oct 15 – Dec 7
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: Jan 1 – Mar 31 (switch or drop Advantage plans)

Learn more: Medicare enrollment periods

Employer Coverage

Open Enrollment periods vary by employer and typically occur in the fall.
Special Enrollment applies after qualifying life events.

Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health plans are available 365 days a year but do not:

• provide full ACA protections
• cover preexisting conditions in most cases
• qualify for ACA subsidies

What If You Miss the 2026 Open Enrollment Deadline?

If you miss Open Enrollment and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you generally cannot buy ACA major medical coverage until the next November 1 cycle.

Alternatives include:

• Medicaid or CHIP (year-round)
• Medicare (if age-eligible)
• Employer coverage (varies)
• Short-term plans (temporary)

See: What to do if you missed the deadline

Historical ACA Open Enrollment Dates (SEO Archive)