When is the next open enrollment for ACA plans (Individuals under age 65)?
Open enrollment for 2026 effective dates is November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. You must apply by December 15, 2025 if you want coverage to start on January 1, 2026. If you enroll December 16-January 15, your effective date will be February 1, 2026.
Do I qualify for a special enrollment?
Changes that qualify for a special enrollment period:
- Loss of qualifying health coverage, i.e. you lose job-based group health insurance coverage, your individual plan is being cancelled and is no longer offered by the insurance company, you lose eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP.
- You get married, divorced or legally separated. Divorce without losing coverage doesn’t quality you for a special enrollment.
- You have a baby or adopt a child.
- You move to a new home in a new ZIP code IN A DIFFERENT COUNTY.
- There are a few, rare other circumstances that may qualify you for a special enrollment.