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Understanding Healthcare Marketplace Open Enrollment
Understanding Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment
February 24, 2025 | 4 min read
When you need health insurance, an ideal time to enroll is during open enrollment. Open enrollment happens once a year and is your chance to look at your health insurance options and pick the one that works best for you and your family.
If you don’t have health insurance from another source, such as your job or your spouse’s job, this is your chance to get the health insurance coverage you need from the Health Insurance Marketplace. If you already have Marketplace insurance, it’s also the time when you can change your plan for the coming year.
When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance?
Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace is typically Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, but it may differ in some states. In California and New York, for example, open enrollment starts Nov. 1 but goes through Jan. 31.
During this time, you have the chance to explore the coverage options available in your area. You can compare various insurance plans and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
How Long Is Open Enrollment?
Depending on where you live, open enrollment for Marketplace health insurance lasts for approximately 10 to 12 weeks. If you need coverage to begin on Jan. 1, you’ll likely need to complete your enrollment by Dec. 15, but you may have more time depending on the state in which you live.
Although they may vary depending on where you live, some key dates to remember include:
- Nov. 1 – Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment begins for coverage that will start the next plan year. This is the first day you can enroll in, renew or change your Marketplace insurance plan.
- Dec. 15 – Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage that starts Jan. 1.
- Jan. 15 – Marketplace Open Enrollment ends. This is the last day to enroll or change health plans for the year.
What If I Miss Open Enrollment?
If you happen to miss open enrollment because life got in the way or you overlooked it, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period begins to sign up for health insurance. However, if there are other circumstances – like you didn’t need Marketplace health insurance during open enrollment because you already had coverage – you may be able to qualify for a special enrollment period.
Special enrollment periods are limited windows outside of open enrollment during which you can enroll in a health insurance plan if you’ve experienced certain life changes. Getting married, having a baby, losing other health coverage or moving to a different state will typically help you qualify.
Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for you and your family, and the Health Insurance Marketplace offers affordable options for coverage. You may even qualify for savings.
So be sure to mark your calendar for the annual Nov. 1 open enrollment. It’s a valuable chance to enroll in a plan or make changes to your current plan.
Ready to get started? Call our team at 844-933-0380 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, or shop our plans now.
Questions About Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment
Choosing a health insurance plan can be tough. If you need health insurance from the Marketplace, our enrollment checklist can help you get started, and our shopping toolExternal Link will guide you through the process.
Having many options from which to choose may mean you are likely to find a plan that fits your needs and budget. But so many choices can also feel overwhelming.
If you’d like to get help from a licensed agent, you can call 844-933-0380 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, and one of our helpful team members will guide you through the selection process. If you prefer to shop on your own, try our shopping toolExternal Link, which will ask you the right questions to help you navigate the process, find savings opportunities and compare plans. It can even help you determine if your preferred care providers are part of the network.
You may be able to qualify for savings, such as premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. Our licensed agents can help check on ways you may be able to save on your premium. Give them at call at 844-933-0380 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. .
Once you’ve completed the enrollment process, you generally keep your chosen plan for the year, unless you qualify for coverage through another source, like a job. You will also be able to change plans if you qualify for a special enrollment period by changing jobs, getting married, having a baby, etc. See if you qualify for a special enrollment period, or learn more about qualifying life events.
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