Open enrollment is a time each year, typically in the fall, when health plans allow members to enroll in a new plan or to make changes in their coverage for the upcoming year. This is the main time to sign up for health insurance.
The dates of your open enrollment period depend on how you get health insurance. If you get health insurance through an employer, through the individual marketplace on healthcare.gov or through Medicare, you will have an open enrollment period:
- Coverage through marketplace plans on healthcare.gov: Open enrollment is Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026, in most states.
- Coverage through plans offered by work: Your employer will set your open enrollment period. Contact your HR department to learn more. These typically occur in the fall.
- Coverage through a Medicare plan: The annual enrollment period – similar to open enrollment – is Oct. 15, 2025, to Dec. 7, 2025. Initial enrollment in a Medicare plan occurs when an individual turns 65.
Individuals who qualify for Medicaid can enroll in benefits any time. Additionally, individuals on Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (DSNP) – which means they are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid – can enroll any time.
What do I do during open enrollment?
Open enrollment provides members and any family members on their plan a time to make changes for the coming year. It’s a good time to evaluate if the amount you spent on health care – from the monthly premium to any out-of-pocket costs – lined up with your health care needs. Make sure you understand the two main types of health insurance plans – HMO and PPO plans – before making your final decisions.