When you can enroll in health insurance
Open enrollment, special enrollment after life changes, and the options you can apply for any time of year.
By the AllSet team · Updated · 3 min read
Open enrollment
Individual and family plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace have an annual open enrollment period, usually in the late fall. Exact dates depend on the year and on whether your state runs its own marketplace, so check HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace for current dates.
Employer plans have their own open enrollment windows, set by the employer.
Special enrollment after a life change
Outside open enrollment you can generally enroll after a qualifying life event. The window is usually 60 days, and some events let you apply in advance. Common qualifying events include:
- Losing other health coverage, for example leaving a job
- Moving to a new area with different plan options
- Getting married
- Having a baby or adopting a child
Options available any time
You can apply for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time of year. Eligibility depends on your state, household size and income.
Depending on household income, you may qualify for premium tax credits that lower the monthly cost of a Marketplace plan. Eligibility is determined when you apply.
General information, not advice