This content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Healthcare rules and costs change annually. Last reviewed: January 1, 2025. Always verify current details with your insurer, employer, or a licensed healthcare navigator.
Open Enrollment Period
The annual window when you can sign up for or change your health insurance plan.
Full Definition
Open enrollment is the designated period each year during which you can enroll in, change, or drop a health insurance plan without needing a qualifying life event. For marketplace (ACA) plans, open enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 each year. For employer-sponsored plans, dates vary by employer (typically fall). Outside of open enrollment, you can only make changes if you have a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, birth of child, etc.).
Real-World Example
Open enrollment for ACA marketplace plans runs November 1 to January 15. If you miss this window without a qualifying life event, you must wait until the next open enrollment to get coverage.
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