When is ACA Open Enrollment for 2026?

In most states it runs November 1 through January 15. Enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start; enroll December 16–January 15 for a February 1 start. Some state marketplaces have later deadlines.

How do I apply for ACA coverage?

Apply on HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace, by phone, or with a licensed agent (free help). Have your household size, estimated income, and preferred doctors/prescriptions handy.

What if I miss Open Enrollment?

You generally have to wait until next year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event like losing coverage, moving, marriage, or a new baby.

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ACA Open Enrollment 2026 guide

5 min read · Reviewed by licensed agents

When you can enroll, the deadlines that decide your start date, and exactly how to apply for 2026 marketplace coverage.

Open Enrollment is the one time each year almost anyone can sign up for or change ACA marketplace health coverage. Miss it (without a qualifying life event) and you generally wait until next year — so the dates matter.

Key dates

For 2026 coverage, Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states (some state-run marketplaces run later). Two deadlines drive your start date: enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1, or between December 16 and January 15 for coverage starting February 1.

How to apply

Apply online through HealthCare.gov (or your state marketplace).
Work with a licensed agent or broker — free help comparing plans and subsidies.
By phone through the Marketplace Call Center.
Pay your first premium on time to activate coverage.

What to have ready

Have household size, an estimate of next year's income (for subsidies), and the doctors and prescriptions you want covered. Comparing plans on total cost — premium plus deductible and out-of-pocket max — beats picking on premium alone.

Can I enroll outside Open Enrollment?

Yes, if you have a qualifying life event — losing other coverage, moving, marriage, a new baby and more — which opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period.

Frequently asked questions

: In most states it runs November 1 through January 15. Enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start; enroll December 16–January 15 for a February 1 start. Some state marketplaces have later deadlines.
: Apply on HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace, by phone, or with a licensed agent (free help). Have your household size, estimated income, and preferred doctors/prescriptions handy.
: You generally have to wait until next year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event like losing coverage, moving, marriage, or a new baby.

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