Written by Michael LaPick
Healthcare Writer
We want to help you make educated healthcare decisions. While this post may have links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We adhere to strict editorial standards to provide the most accurate and unbiased information.
When are the Open Enrollment Dates?
- November 1 – January 15 (in most states)
- Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.
- Enroll by January 15 for coverage starting February 1.
- Idaho’s deadline is Dec 16; MA and VA extend to Jan 23 and Jan 22.
- CA, NJ, NY, RI, and D.C. close Jan 31.
- Starting in 2027, all states end on Dec 31.
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1. What is the deadline for Health Insurance Marketplace plans for 2026 coverage?
- In most states, the deadline is January 15, but there are exceptions.
- December 15 is the deadline for a January 1 start. After December 15, coverage starts February 1.
2. Which states have a January 15 open enrollment deadline?
- 43 states use HealthCare.gov and have a January 15 deadline.
- Examples: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.
| Deadline | States |
|---|---|
| December 16 | Idaho* |
| January 15 | Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois (state-run), Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine (state-run), Maryland (state-run), Michigan, Minnesota (state-run), Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada (state-run), New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania (state-run), South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont (state-run), Virginia (state-run), Washington (state-run), West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| January 16 | Georgia (state-run), Kentucky |
| January 23 | Massachusetts |
| January 31 | California, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island |
3. Which states do not end open enrollment on January 15?
- Some states with their own exchanges have different deadlines:
- California, D.C., New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island: January 31
- Kentucky: January 16
- Massachusetts: January 23
- Idaho: December 16 (earlier deadline)
4. Who can enroll year-round in ACA plans?
- American Indians/Alaska Natives
- People eligible for Medicaid or CHIP
- Special programs in some states, like Basic Health Programs or ConnectorCare.
5. Can I enroll outside of open enrollment?
You can enroll outside the open period only if you qualify for a special enrollment period (due to a qualifying life event, QLE).
QLEs grant a 60-day Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for selecting new coverage or changing existing plans.
Common QLEs includeÂ
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Having a baby
- Losing employer coverage
- Moving to a new ZIP code.
Your SEP begins the day of the event, and coverage typically starts the first day of the following month. If you don’t enroll within 60 days, you’ll have to wait for the next open enrollment period, but you may be eligible for temporary coverage in the meantime. Remember, using a SEP incurs no penalties, and insurers must accept your application just like during open enrollment.
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Navigating health insurance as a college student can be overwhelming, but understanding your options will help you find the best coverage for your needs.
Important Considerations
- Coverage Through Your Parents’ Plan: If you’re under 26, you can remain on your parents’ health plan.
- ACA Marketplace Plan subsidies may be available based on your eligibility. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to answer a few easy questions to see if you qualify for a subsidy in seconds.*
Click HERE to start your health plan journey now
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