Open Enrollment for health insurance in 2026

When is Open Enrollment for health insurance?

If you’re planning to sign up for a healthcare plan for the upcoming year, it’s important to know the Open Enrollment dates and deadlines to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity for coverage.

Open Enrollment typically begins November 1 and lasts through January 15. However, these dates can vary depending on where you live, so it’s important to confirm with your state’s health insurance exchange. 

Wellpoint is pleased to offer ACA Marketplace plans in Florida, Maryland, Texas, and Washington. Their dates for Open Enrollment 2026 are as follows:

Understanding how the marketplace works

The Marketplace provides a range of health insurance plans categorized into four “metal” levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. While all metal levels offer the same essential health benefits, they differ in how care costs are shared between you and your insurer. Availability of metal levels may vary by state and insurer.

Once you meet your plan deductible, the cost-sharing breakdown for out-of-pocket care costs between you and your plan is as follows:

When comparing these options, consider the types of healthcare services you’re likely to use. For instance, if you’re generally healthy and only need preventive care, a Bronze plan may be the most budget-friendly choice due to its lower monthly premium—though it comes with higher out-of-pocket costs if unexpected medical needs arise.

On the other hand, if you anticipate more frequent doctor visits or require regular prescriptions, a Silver or Gold plan may be a better fit. These plans have a higher monthly premium, but offer lower out-of-pocket costs after meeting the deductible. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between monthly costs and coverage that suits your personal healthcare needs.

Preparing for Open Enrollment 2026

Choosing the right health insurance plan is an important decision for you and your family. In addition to understanding ACA metal levels, there are several other ways to prepare for Open Enrollment:

Familiarize yourself with key insurance terms

Understanding common health insurance terminology can make navigating Open Enrollment much easier. Here are a few important terms to know:

• Premium: The monthly amount you pay for your health insurance plan.
• Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket each year before your plan begins to cover care costs.
• Copay: A fixed fee you pay for each visit to a care provider. Copays usually do not count toward your deductible.
• Coinsurance: The percentage of care costs you’re responsible for after meeting your plan deductible.
• Out-of-pocket maximum: The maximum amount you’ll pay for covered services in a year. After reaching this limit, your plan covers 100% of eligible costs.

Check or reconfirm your eligibility for financial help

The ACA Marketplace was designed to make health insurance more affordable. Financial help, or subsidies, may be available based on your income, household size, and the cost of plans in your area. Depending on your eligibility, you may qualify for both types of financial help:

• Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC): Reduces your monthly plan premium.
• Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Available only if you enroll in a Silver plan, CSRs lower your deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum.

Due to potential changes to ACA premium tax credits, it's important to take steps and prepare before choosing a 2026 health plan. Learn how these changes may impact you.

Evaluate your current plan, healthcare needs, and budget

Take time to review your existing Marketplace health insurance coverage and either re-enroll if it still meets your needs—or make changes if you want to adjust your plan. If you're new to the Marketplace, you can explore available plans, compare benefits and costs, and choose the coverage that’s right for you and your family.

ACA Marketplace plans offer flexibility, allowing you to choose coverage that aligns with your care needs and budget. When comparing plans, consider your expected medical needs and how much you can afford in terms of the monthly premium, deductible, copays, coinsurance, and prescription costs.

Review and prepare your information early

Gather income documentation like recent pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s, or prior-year tax returns—especially if you’re a freelancer or independent contractor with variable income. Also, ensure your Marketplace profile reflects your current household size, dependent status, and address, as these details can impact your eligibility for APTCs.

Know your state’s enrollment deadline

Missing your state’s deadline to renew or choose a plan during Open Enrollment means you won’t have coverage for 2026—unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a major life event, such as losing coverage, getting married, or having a baby.

Consider additional coverage options

Dental and vision care are important parts of your overall health. Open Enrollment is a great time to explore plans that include dental and vision benefits. 

Choosing your insurance plan

What you pay versus what your insurer pays

What happens if you miss Open Enrollment 2026?

Missing the Open Enrollment Period will limit your ability to sign-up for health insurance for the upcoming year. However, qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) may be your chance to get health insurance after Open Enrollment—if you experience certain life events.

Qualifying events can include major changes such as getting married or divorced, having a baby, adopting a child, or losing your existing coverage, such as through job loss. Most SEPs provide a 60-day window to enroll in a new health plan, though the exact timeframe can vary depending on the life event and your state’s specific rules.