The 2026 Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period is from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026. During this time, eligible individuals can sign up for new health insurance plans or change existing ones through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Key deadlines include December 15 for coverage to start on January 1 and January 15 for coverage to start on February 1.
Enrollment periods and deadlines
November 1, 2025:
Open enrollment begins; you can enroll, renew, or change plans. Coverage can start as early as January 1, 2026.
December 15, 2025:
Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage to begin on January 1, 2026.
January 1, 2026:
Coverage starts for those who enrolled or changed plans by December 15.
January 15, 2026:
Open enrollment ends. This is the final deadline to enroll in or change plans for the year.
February 1, 2026:
Coverage starts for those who enrolled between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026.
Special circumstances
Special Enrollment Period:
Outside of open enrollment, you can only enroll or change plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby, moving, or losing other health coverage.
Medicaid and CHIP:
You can apply for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time of year. You can enroll immediately if you qualify.
Contact us:
600 Fairway Drive Suite 206
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
(561) 235-8579
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