The Open Enrollment period is your once-a-year opportunity to choose or change your individual health insurance plan. This occurs near the end of the calendar year, although exact dates vary by state. Whether you’re buying insurance for the first time or reviewing your current plan, knowing what to expect can help you make a confident coverage decision.
In this article, we'll cover key Open Enrollment deadlines and what to consider when choosing a health plan.
In this blog post, you’ll learn:
Before we get into the details, here are the key dates you need to know.
Open Enrollment deadlines1:
This year brings significant changes that could impact your coverage, costs, and deadlines. Before we walk through the steps to enroll, it’s important to understand these updates so you can make informed choices and avoid surprises.
| Change | What it means for you |
| Steeper premium increases than average | Health insurance companies participating in the health insurance marketplaces are proposing a median premium increase of 15% for 2027. These are proposed rates and may change before plans are finalized2. |
| Changes to health insurance premium subsidies | Enhanced premium tax credits (PTCs) expired at the end of 2025. If you previously received enhanced PTCs, you may see higher premium costs and should review your eligibility for financial assistance when enrolling. If you participate in a CHOICE Arrangement (formerly ICHRA), you aren’t eligible for subsidies. |
| Open Enrollment dates may change |
Open Enrollment for the 2027 coverage year starts on November 1, 2026. December 15, 2026, is the last day to enroll in or change plans for a January 1, 2027, coverage start date. Federal rules have been issued and challenged that would shorten the annual enrollment period beginning with the 2027 coverage year3. For now, the federal Marketplace is operating under the traditional Open Enrollment schedule, but enrollment deadlines could change. Consumers should check their state’s official insurance marketplace for the most up-to-date deadlines before enrolling. |
Some states, like California and New York, also have extended Open Enrollment periods. Make sure to check the annual enrollment period for your area.
Let’s break the process into seven clear, actionable steps to guide you through Open Enrollment.
The first step is the easiest. Before you start comparing health plans, have the basics on hand to make the enrollment process smoother.
Have the following information ready:
Think about what the next year might look like for you and your family. This will guide you toward a plan that matches your real usage, not just the cheapest option on paper.
Ask yourself the following questions:
If you have a preferred doctor or rely on a specialist, make sure they’re in-network. Seeing out-of-network providers usually means higher bills. Choosing a plan that keeps your providers accessible saves you stress and unexpected costs.
Review:
Health insurance coverage comes with its own vocabulary. Learning the lingo is essential to making well-informed choices about your health plan.
Some common health insurance terms include:
When evaluating your health insurance options, consider more than the monthly premium. Look at deductibles, provider networks, copays, and coinsurance
Also, familiarize yourself with the metal tiers on the marketplace:
All marketplace plans cover essential health benefits. But if your employer offers a CHOICE Arrangement, formerly known as the individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (ICHRA), make sure your plan meets minimum essential coverage (MEC) standards. Marketplace plans always do, but some plans on private exchanges may not.
Missed the initial enrollment period? You might still have options available.
You may be eligible for a special enrollment period (SEP) if you experience one of these qualifying life events:
Other unique circumstances may also allow you to sign up for a health insurance policy outside the annual enrollment period.
You may also qualify for an SEP if:
Once you’ve enrolled, your work isn’t quite done. Review your health insurance plan each year during Open Enrollment to make sure it still meets your needs and budget. Keep copies of your enrollment forms and communications with your insurance provider. And if your employer offers a CHOICE Arrangement (formerly ICHRA), remember you may need to provide proof of coverage.
Choosing an individual health plan can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the individual market or have a CHOICE Arrangement (formerly ICHRA) for the first time. If your employer offers a CHOICE Arrangement through Remodel Health, we can help you understand your options, compare coverage, and choose a plan that works for you.
With Remodel Health as your benefits administrator, we provide:
Open Enrollment is the annual period during which you can enroll in or change your health insurance coverage. By gathering your documentation early, assessing your healthcare needs, confirming your providers, understanding insurance terms, and carefully comparing plans, you can make informed choices that protect your health and help you manage healthcare costs.
This blog post was originally published on October 24, 2024. It was last updated on October 1, 2026.
1. A quick guide to the Health Insurance Marketplace
2. Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker: How much and why ACA Marketplace premiums are going up in 2027
3. LitigationTracker: City of Columbus 2026.06.12 opinion