2026 Open Enrollment was extended to January 15th. Who does this apply to?
We didn’t expect an extension to Open Enrollment, but on December 23, CMS (the federal agency that oversees the Marketplace) announced one.
What does this mean for you?
You can still shop for a health plan until January 15 to enroll in a plan that will start on February 1.
What about a January 1 start date?
For most states, the deadline for a January 1 plan has already passed. However, some states have extended deadlines. Please see below to check whether your state still allows enrollment for a January 1 start date.
If you live in one of the following states, you have a different deadline to secure a health plan that starts on February 1, 2026:
- California (Covered CA): Enroll by Jan 31 for 2/1/26 coverage
- Georgia (GA Access): Enroll by Jan 15 for 2/1/26 coverage
- Maryland (MD Health Connection): Enroll by Jan 15 for 2/1/26 coverage
- Massachusetts (MA Health Connector): Enroll by Jan 23 for 2/1/26 coverage
- Nevada (NV Health Link): Enroll by Jan 15 for 2/1/26 coverage
- New Mexico (BeWell NM): Enroll by Jan 15 for 2/1/26 coverage
- Rhode Island (Health Source RI): Enroll by Jan 31 for 2/1/26 coverage
Jan 1, 2025 If you live in one of the following states, you have an extended deadline for
- Illinois ( GetCoveredIL): Enroll by Dec 31st for 1/1/26 coverage
- New Jersey (Get Covered NJ): Enroll by Dec 31 for 1/1/26 coverage
- Pennsylvania ( Pennie): Enroll by Dec 31 for 1/1/26 coverage
- Virginia (VA's Insurance Marketplace): Enroll by Dec 31 for 1/1/26 coverage