In general, you can only enroll in non-group health plan coverage during the Open Enrollment period.

For 2021 coverage, the Open Enrollment period in HealthCare.gov states begins November 1, 2020 and ends at the end of the day on December 15, 2020 (Pacific Time). 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, individuals and families will not be able to enroll in Marketplace health plans until the next Open Enrollment period. However, if you experience certain changes in circumstances during the year, you will have a special 60-day opportunity to enroll in Marketplace health plans, outside of the Open Enrollment period.

For individuals and families buying non-group coverage on their own, outside of the Marketplace, you can only enroll in coverage during Open Enrollment periods and special enrollment opportunities, as well.

American Indians and Alaska Natives can enroll in Marketplace coverage throughout the year, not just during Open Enrollment.

State-run Marketplaces can set their own dates and several will have a longer Open Enrollment period for 2021 coverage.  These include: 

California                                November 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021

Colorado                                November 1, 2020 – January 15, 2021

District of Columbia             November 1, 2020 –  January 31, 2021 (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, District residents can also still sign up for 2020 coverage during this period)

Maryland                                November 1, 2020 – December 15, 2020 (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland residents can also still sign up for 2020 coverage during this period)

Massachusetts                       November 1, 2020 – January 23, 2021

Minnesota                              November 1, 2020 – December 22, 2020

Nevada                                   November 1, 2020 – January 15, 2021

New Jersey                            November 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021

New York                               November 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021 (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers can also still sign up for 2020 coverage through December 31, 2020)

Pennsylvania                         November 1, 2020 – January 15, 2021

Rhode Island                         November 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020

Washington                           November 1, 2020 – January 15, 2021