Open enrollment is the main time to sign up for a Marketplace health plan, and for 2027 coverage it runs from November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 in HealthCare.gov states. Outside that window, you can still enroll or change plans if you have a qualifying life event. That’s called a special enrollment period (SEP). Here’s what qualifies, how long you have, and the mistakes that can cost you your chance.
Life events that can qualify
| Type of event | Examples |
|---|---|
| Losing health coverage | Losing job-based coverage (including when COBRA runs out), losing individual coverage, losing Medicaid or CHIP, or aging off a parent’s plan |
| Changes in your household | Getting married, having or adopting a baby, a foster placement, or a divorce or death that causes you to lose coverage |
| Moving | Moving to a new ZIP code or county, to the U.S. from abroad, or to or from a school, seasonal job, or shelter |
| An employer health benefit offer | An offer of an individual coverage HRA (ICHRA) or a QSEHRA from an employer |
| Other changes | Becoming a U.S. citizen, leaving incarceration, or gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe |
Moving usually qualifies only if you had qualifying health coverage for at least one day in the 60 days before the move, with some exceptions. Moving just for medical treatment or a vacation doesn’t count.
How long you have
- Most events: 60 days after the event to pick a plan.
- Losing coverage: you can often apply up to 60 days before the loss as well, so you can line up a new plan with no gap.
- Losing Medicaid or CHIP: generally 90 days.
Miss the window and you’ll usually have to wait for the next open enrollment period.
When your new coverage starts
Coverage usually starts the first day of the month after you pick a plan. Some events have their own rules. For a birth, adoption, or foster placement, coverage can start on the day of the event even if you enroll weeks later. If you’re losing coverage, applying before it ends is the best way to avoid a gap.
What doesn’t qualify
- Dropping coverage on purpose, including ending COBRA early or stopping COBRA payments. Our COBRA vs. Marketplace guide explains why timing matters.
- Losing coverage because you didn’t pay premiums on a Marketplace plan.
- A divorce or separation that doesn’t cause you to lose coverage.
- Simply wanting a cheaper plan or realizing you need coverage after getting sick.
The year-round enrollment option that some lower-income households used to have is no longer available, so most people now need one of the events above.
Be ready to prove it
You’ll be asked to confirm that your qualifying event happened, and for some events, especially losing coverage, you may need to upload documents such as a letter from your employer or former insurer showing the date coverage ended. If you can’t provide them, you may not be able to keep the special enrollment. Save those letters as soon as you get them. If you’re turned down and believe you qualify, you can appeal.
Options if you don’t qualify
- Medicaid and CHIP accept applications at any time of year if your household qualifies.
- A job-based plan through your own or a spouse’s employer may have its own enrollment period.
- Plans sold outside the Marketplace are available from insurers and agents, but ACA-compliant plans generally follow the same enrollment periods, and other types of plans may limit benefits or exclude pre-existing conditions. See private health insurance under 65.
- Mark the next open enrollment on your calendar. For 2027 coverage it closes January 15, 2027 in HealthCare.gov states. See our 2027 open enrollment guide.
Please note: LocalQuotes.online is not an insurance company, agency, or broker and is not affiliated with HealthCare.gov or any government agency. We connect you with licensed agents and marketing partners who may contact you about plans. Not all plans are available in all states, and plan details vary. We may be compensated by the agents and partners we connect you with. This page is general information, not insurance, legal, or tax advice.