Open Enrollment 2026 Overview

What is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is the annual period when you can enroll in a health insurance plan for 2026. During this time, you can apply for new coverage, renew your current plan, or make changes to an existing plan. 

Keep in mind, outside of Open Enrollment, you can’t enroll or change your health plan unless you have a  qualifying life event.

When does 2026 Open Enrollment start and end?

For most people, Open Enrollment begins on November 1, 2025, and ends on December 15, 2025. Some states offer an expanded enrollment period. Please carefully review the dates below.

Best to shop and pick a plan early and avoid missing an important enrollment deadline.

*If you live in one of the following states, you have a different deadline to secure January 1, 2026 coverage:

• California (Covered CA): Enroll by Dec 31 for 1/1/26 coverage
• Georgia (GA Access): Enroll by Dec 20 for 1/1/26 coverage (extended)
• Idaho (Your Health ID): Enroll by Dec 15th for 1/1/26 coverage
• Maryland (MD Health Connection): Enroll by Dec 31 for 1/1/26 coverage
• Massachusetts (MA Health Connector): Enroll by Dec 23 for 1/1/26 coverage
• Nevada (NV Health Link): Enroll by Dec 31 for 1/1/26 coverage
• New Jersey (Get Covered NJ): Enroll by Decr 31 for 1/1/26 coverage
• New Mexico (BeWell NM): Enroll by Dec 31 for 1/1/26 coverage
• Rhode Island (Health Source RI): Enroll by Dec 31 for 1/1/26 coverage
• Virginia (VA's Insurance Marketplace): Enroll by Dec 31 for 1/1/26 coverage

*If you live in Idaho, your Open Enrollment begins on Oct 15, 2025, and ends on Dec 16, 2025.

*If you live in one of these states, you have extra time during Open Enrollment to sign up for February 1, 2025, coverage:

• California (Covered CA): Last day Jan 31, 2026.
• District of Columbia (DC Health Link): Last day Jan 31, 2026.
• New Jersey (Get Covered New Jersey): Last day Jan 31, 2026. 
• New York (NY State of Health): Last day Jan 31, 2026. 
• Massachusetts (MA Health Connector): Last day Jan 23, 2026.. 
• Kentucky (kynect): Last day Jan 16, 2026. 

What if I miss the Open Enrollment period?

If you miss Open Enrollment, you can only get coverage if you have a qualifying life event, such as getting married, or losing other health coverage, or being offered an ICHRA (like through StretchDollar!). If you miss Open Enrollment, please reach out to us to understand your enrollment options. 

Here is a quick summary of some of the most common questions that pop up for open enrollment.