Updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the CoverageCo team
Most people can only enroll in a Marketplace plan during Open Enrollment, which runs in the late fall for coverage starting the following year. Outside that window you need a Special Enrollment Period, triggered by a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, moving, marriage, or a new baby — usually with about 60 days to act.
Key takeaways
- Open Enrollment is the main annual window; some state exchanges run different dates than the federal Marketplace.
- A qualifying life event opens roughly a 60-day Special Enrollment Period — the clock is short.
- Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round for those who qualify.
- Confirm current dates at HealthCare.gov or your state exchange, since they're set each year.
Open Enrollment: the main window
For most people, the time to enroll or switch plans is the annual Open Enrollment Period. On the federal Marketplace this generally runs from November 1 to January 15, though some states run their own exchanges with different dates.
Coverage start dates depend on when you enroll during that window. Dates can shift year to year, so confirm the current year's deadlines.
Special Enrollment: when life changes
Outside Open Enrollment, you can still enroll if you have a "qualifying life event." That opens a Special Enrollment Period — usually about 60 days from the event — to pick a plan.
- Losing other coverage (a job change, aging off a parent's plan, etc.)
- Getting married
- Having or adopting a child
- Moving to a new area with different plans
- Other changes in household or eligibility
Not sure if you qualify right now?
Use the quick checker below to see whether a recent life change might open a window for you. If it does, a licensed agent can help you enroll before the clock runs out.
Common questions
What counts as a qualifying life event?
Common ones include losing other health coverage, getting married, having or adopting a child, moving to a new area with different plans, and certain income changes affecting eligibility. Documentation is usually required.
How long do I have after a qualifying life event?
Generally about 60 days from the event. Miss it and you typically wait for the next Open Enrollment, so it's worth acting as soon as the change happens.
Can I enroll in Medicaid at any time?
Yes. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round. If your income qualifies you, you don't have to wait for Open Enrollment.
When does my coverage actually start?
It depends on when you enroll within the window. Signing up earlier generally means an earlier start date, which is why waiting until the final days can leave a gap.