Calendar

Open enrollment dates by state

Starting with plan year 2027, the federal Open Enrollment Period is shortened to Nov 1 – Dec 15 under the 2025 Marketplace Integrity Rule, and no state may extend past Dec 15. A few State-Based Exchanges (Georgia, Idaho) open earlier on Oct 15.

Step 1 — Free
Talk to a licensed ACA broker — free, no obligation

No cost, no obligation. Brokers are paid by the carrier and can compare plans side-by-side for your situation.

Request a broker →

Federal Open Enrollment Period (HealthCare.gov)

Under the 2025 Marketplace Integrity & Affordability Final Rule, the federal OEP is shortened to a single 45-day window. All 27 FFM states close enrollment on Dec 15, 2026, with coverage starting Jan 1, 2027.

State-Based Exchange windows

State / ExchangeWindowNotes
California (Covered California)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Colorado (Connect for Health)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Connecticut (Access Health CT)Nov 1 – Dec 15
District of Columbia (DC Health Link)Nov 1 – Dec 15Year-round enrollment for individuals continues outside OEP.
Georgia (Georgia Access)Oct 15 – Dec 15Georgia Access opens early on Oct 15.
Idaho (Your Health Idaho)Oct 15 – Dec 15Tied with Georgia for earliest OEP start.
Kentucky (kynect)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Maine (CoverME.gov)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Maryland (Maryland Health Connection)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Massachusetts (MA Health Connector)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Minnesota (MNsure)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Nevada (Nevada Health Link)Nov 1 – Dec 15
New Jersey (Get Covered NJ)Nov 1 – Dec 15
New Mexico (beWellnm)Nov 1 – Dec 15
New York (NY State of Health)Nov 1 – Dec 15Essential Plan remains year-round outside OEP.
Pennsylvania (Pennie)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Rhode Island (HealthSource RI)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Vermont (Vermont Health Connect)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Virginia (Virginia's Insurance Marketplace)Nov 1 – Dec 15
Washington (Washington Healthplanfinder)Nov 1 – Dec 15
For plan year 2027, no state may extend OEP past Dec 15, 2026. Some State-Based Exchanges (Georgia, Idaho) open earlier than Nov 1. Confirm with each exchange in October 2026.

Special Enrollment Periods (year-round)

Most life events trigger a 60-day SEP to enroll or change a marketplace plan outside OEP. Households at or under 150% FPL are eligible for a monthly SEP on HealthCare.gov.

  • Loss of qualifying health coverage (job loss, COBRA exhaustion, aging off a parent's plan at 26)
  • Marriage (at least one spouse must have had MEC in the prior 60 days)
  • Birth, adoption, or placement for foster care
  • Permanent move to an area with new plan options
  • Becoming a U.S. citizen or lawfully present resident
  • Release from incarceration
  • Income change that affects subsidy eligibility (limited circumstances)
  • Gaining/losing Medicaid or CHIP eligibility
  • Domestic abuse or spousal abandonment

Sources

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only. We are not responsible for missing or inaccurate information. Please consult a licensed insurance broker in your state and area for insurance advice. Please consult a CPA for tax or legal advice.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only. We are not responsible for missing or inaccurate information. Please consult a licensed insurance broker in your state and area for insurance advice. Please consult a CPA for tax or legal advice.