When can I enroll in Marketplace health plan coverage?

This FAQ was updated January 14, 2026, to reflect newly extended Open Enrollment deadlines in Connecticut, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

In general, you can only enroll in Marketplace health plan coverage during the annual Open Enrollment period. For 2026 coverage, the Open Enrollment period in most states begins November 1, 2025, and closes at the end of the day on January 15, 2026. The following states have different Open Enrollment end dates:

• Idaho: December 15
• Massachusetts: January 23
• Virginia: January 30
• California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island: January 31

If you plan to sign up, be sure to complete your application and select your plan before Open Enrollment ends. Once the Open Enrollment period is over, most people will not be able to enroll in a Marketplace plan until the next Open Enrollment period unless they experience certain changes during the year that qualify them for a “special enrollment period.” American Indians and Alaska Natives can enroll in Marketplace coverage throughout the year, not just during Open Enrollment.

If you want your coverage to take effect on January 1, 2026, and you live in a state that uses HealthCare.gov, you should sign up no later than December 15, 2025. If you sign up after December 15, your coverage will take effect on February 1, 2026. These dates may differ in states that operate their own Marketplace. Check with your state-based Marketplace for more information if you live in one of these states.