Open enrollment is the annual window during which you can enroll in, change, or drop a health insurance plan — either through your employer or the ACA marketplace. Outside of open enrollment, you generally can only make changes if you have a qualifying life event such as losing a job, getting married, or having a baby.
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Open enrollment is the designated period each year when you can sign up for health insurance, switch plans, or drop coverage you no longer want. Outside of this window, you are generally locked into your current plan until the next open enrollment — or unless a qualifying life event triggers a Special Enrollment Period. The rules differ slightly between employer-sponsored insurance and the ACA marketplace, but the core concept is the same.
For plans purchased through the federal marketplace (HealthCare.gov) or a state-based exchange, open enrollment typically runs November 1 through January 15, with coverage starting January 1 if you enroll by December 15. Some state exchanges have extended windows — check your state's exchange. After January 15, you must have a qualifying life event to change coverage. HealthCare.gov's enrollment calendar lists the current dates.
Employer open enrollment periods vary by company — many run in October or November for coverage that starts January 1 of the new year. Your employer's HR department or benefits portal will tell you your specific window. If you miss your employer open enrollment, you typically cannot make changes until the next year unless you have a qualifying event.
Special Enrollment Periods typically give you 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll in a new plan. HealthCare.gov's Special Enrollment guide details documentation requirements for each event type.