The yearly window to enroll or switch
Open Enrollment is the once-a-year window when anyone can enroll in or change a Marketplace plan without needing a special reason. Outside it, you generally need a qualifying life event.
In most states, Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1; enroll after that and coverage typically starts February 1. Several state-based marketplaces set slightly different deadlines, so your state’s window may vary.
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You generally can’t buy a Marketplace plan until the next Open Enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event that opens a Special Enrollment Period. Private or short-term coverage can bridge the gap in the meantime.