Open Enrollment 2026: Dates, Deadlines, and Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained

For many Americans, open enrollment is the one time each year to review, change, or sign up for health insurance coverage. Whether you’re choosing a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, an employer, or Medicare, understanding the rules and timelines is critical. Missing the window could mean waiting another year for coverage or facing penalties.

This guide explains what is open enrollment, the important open enrollment 2026 dates and deadlines, what happens if you miss the period, and how Medicare enrollment periods work.

What Is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the designated period each year when individuals can enroll in or make changes to their health insurance coverage. During this time, you can:

• Sign up for a new health plan.
• Renew or change your existing plan.
• Add or remove dependents.
• Switch between coverage options (for example, between Marketplace and employer-sponsored plans, if eligible).

If you miss open enrollment, you may only be able to change coverage if you qualify for a special enrollment period.

When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance?

The annual open enrollment period for Marketplace health insurance typically runs from November 1 through January 15. While these dates are set at the federal level, some states operating their own exchanges may extend deadlines.

So, when is open enrollment for health insurance 2026?

• Expected dates: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026 (most states).
• Enrollments completed by December 15, 2025 usually start coverage on January 1, 2026.
• Enrollments after December 15 but before January 15, 2026 typically begin coverage on February 1, 2026.
• Important: Some states have extended deadlines beyond January 15, 2026. For example:
• California, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island have open enrollment through January 31, 2026.
• Massachusetts extends to January 23, 2026.
• Idaho ends on December 15, 2025.

Always check your state’s exchange for exact deadlines.

Open Enrollment 2026 Deadline USA

For most states, the open enrollment 2026 deadline in the USA will be January 15, 2026. However, some states have later deadlines as noted above. Missing this date means waiting until the next year unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare has its own timelines, separate from Marketplace insurance. Medicare open enrollment runs each year from October 15 – December 7. During this time, people with Medicare can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (Part C).
• Switch back from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare.
• Change or enroll in Part D prescription drug plans.

Changes made during this period take effect on January 1 of the following year.

What Are the 3 Enrollment Periods for Medicare?

Medicare has three major enrollment periods:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A 7-month window around your 65th birthday (3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after).
• General Enrollment Period (GEP): Runs January 1 – March 31 each year for those who missed their Initial Enrollment. Coverage begins July 1.
• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): From October 15 – December 7 each year, when you can review and change Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.

Additionally, it’s important to note:

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): Runs from January 1 – March 31 and allows people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or revert to Original Medicare. This period overlaps with, but is distinct from, the General Enrollment Period, as it specifically applies to Medicare Advantage plan changes.

What Plans Don’t Use Open Enrollment?

Not every type of health coverage follows the open enrollment schedule. Some plans can be joined year-round, including:

• Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program): Eligibility is income-based and open all year.
• Short-term health insurance plans: Temporary coverage that can be purchased at any time.
• Employer-sponsored plans for new hires: Starting a new job usually triggers its own enrollment window.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) and membership-based models: These alternatives are not tied to insurance and can be joined anytime.

What If I Miss the Open Enrollment Period?

If you miss the open enrollment 2026 deadline, you still may have options:

• Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Qualify with a life event such as marriage, birth, job loss, or moving states.
• Medicaid or CHIP: Applications are open year-round for those who qualify based on income.
• Short-term health insurance: Provides temporary coverage if you’re between enrollment periods.
• Wait until the next open enrollment: If none of the above applies, you’ll need to wait until the following year.

Planning ahead is the best approach, mark your calendar for the open enrollment 2026 dates to avoid being locked out.

Key Takeaways for Open Enrollment 2026

• Marketplace Open Enrollment 2026: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026 (most states). Some states extend to January 31, 2026, or have other specific deadlines—check your state’s exchange.
• Deadline: January 15, 2026 (majority of states), with later deadlines in some states.
• Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 – December 7, 2025.
• Three Medicare periods: Initial, General, and Annual Enrollment. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) is separate but concurrent with the General Enrollment Period.
• Some plans, such as Medicaid, CHIP, and Direct Primary Care, don’t require open enrollment.
• Missing the deadline may limit options to special enrollment periods.

Final Word



Whether you’re reviewing Marketplace options, employer coverage, or Medicare, understanding the open enrollment 2026 timeline is critical. Start early, compare plans, and make informed decisions to protect your health and finances.