Open enrollment is a period of time when people can enroll in a new health plan or make changes to their current plan for the year ahead.

How you get your insurance will determine when the open enrollment period is for you. For example, the open enrollment period may be different for people who get coverage through an employer vs. Medicare vs. a state or federal marketplace (such as HealthCare.gov). In this article, we’ll be focusing on open enrollment as it applies to individuals and families who will be enrolling in a plan through the federal marketplace. 

Read on for answers to questions such as “what is open enrollment?” “When is open enrollment?” and “When can you get health insurance?”

Main Takeaways

  • Open enrollment is a time when people can modify their health insurance plan or choose a new one for the year ahead.

  • For people who enroll through insurance companies or the federal marketplace, open enrollment begins November 1 and ends January 15.

  • Although there are some exceptions, those who miss the open enrollment deadline might not have access to health care coverage until the next year’s open enrollment period. 

When Is Open Enrollment for Individuals and Families?

Open enrollment begins November 1 and ends January 15. Within that range there are a few key dates to remember:

  • November 1: This is the first day you can enroll in a new health plan or make changes to your existing plan through the marketplace. The plan you select could start as soon as January 1.

  • December 15: This is the last day to select a plan if you want your health care coverage to begin at the start of the new year.

  • January 1: If you selected your marketplace health plan by December 15, it goes into effect today.

  • January 15: Open enrollment officially ends today. This is your last opportunity to sign up for a plan or make changes. Otherwise, you may need to wait until next year. Learn about certain exceptions to that rule below.

  • February 1: If you selected a plan between December 16 and January 15 your coverage begins today.

Can You Get Health Insurance at Any Time?

Usually, the answer to “can you get health insurance at any time” is no, unless you experience something called a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). There’s more on that below, and in our guide to QLEs and special enrollment periods. Open enrollment exists so that people with health insurance have coverage year-round. That way, they’re consistently paying for their health plans, even when they’re healthy, rather than signing up for coverage only when they have a health concern. Open enrollment rules help keep health insurance prices more affordable.

What Happens if You Miss Open Enrollment?

If you miss open enrollment and are unable to sign up for a health plan until the next year’s open enrollment period, you and your family may have to go without health insurance coverage.

There are a number of risks that come with being uninsured, including:

  • Not getting the health care you need. People without health insurance are more likely to avoid or delay treatment. In fact, research shows that 75% of adults under the age of 65 said they went without the care they needed because of the price.

  • Losing access to the medications prescribed to you. Going without the medications you need could be detrimental to your health, and yet, drug costs can be prohibitively expensive without health insurance. One in five adults report that they opted to not fill a prescription because of the price, while one in seven have skipped doses or cut pills in half to save money.  

  • Financial consequences. Without health insurance your cost for care may be higher, and there’s no limit to out-of-pocket costs. Research shows that 62% of uninsured individuals have health care debt, compared to 44% of those who have insurance.

Open Enrollment Exceptions

If you missed open enrollment, you may be wondering when can you get health insurance? The answer depends on a number of factors. Here are some situations where you may be able to access coverage:

You’ve had a change in circumstances known as a qualifying life event. The term “qualifying life event” refers to any number of changes that make you eligible for a special enrollment period. Some examples of QLEs include:

  • Getting married

  • Getting divorced or legally separated

  • Having a baby or adopting a child

  • Moving to a new zip code or county

  • Losing a job

  • Turning 26 and aging off a parents’ plan

  • Turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare

  • More reasons may apply as well. Read our article about qualifying life events and special enrollment periods. 

You qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs provide health coverage to different populations with limited resources. Those include low-income adults, families, children, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid and CHIP do not have an open enrollment period, which means you can start coverage throughout the year, as long as you meet the requirements.   

Learn More About Everything You Need to Know When Getting Health Insurance

Your health insurance policy helps connect you to the medical care and services you need, while also offering you financial protection. Now that you know the importance of signing up for a policy during open enrollment, be sure to mark your calendar with the important dates listed above. Then, you can start making the medical appointments you need and give your health the care you deserve.

To learn more about the ins and outs of health insurance and how to make the most of your policy, check out these helpful articles:

Understanding the Health Care Billing Process

To Prepare for a Health Emergency, Take these 4 Steps

How to Get Health Insurance if You Aren’t Covered

How Health Insurance Works: Feel Confident Using Your Coverage

Use This End-of-the Year Checklist to Maximize Your Insurance

5 Myths—and Facts—about Health Insurance