Updated January 9, 2026
Executive Summary
- Most states follow the federal Open Enrollment Period, running November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026 (enroll by December 15, 2025 for coverage starting January 1, 2026).
- States with their own exchanges have different windows — for example, California runs November 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026, and New York runs November 16, 2025 to January 31, 2026.
- Outside open enrollment, individuals can still get coverage through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) triggered by a Qualifying Life Event, such as loss of coverage, marriage/divorce, birth/adoption, a move, or an income change.
- The Special Enrollment Period lasts only 60 days from the qualifying event; missing that window means waiting until the next annual open enrollment period.
The annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a designated timeframe during which individuals can enroll in or make changes to their health insurance plans. For the 2025 coverage year, the OEP dates vary by state. Below is a overview to the open enrollment deadlines for each state:
This article will provide important OEP dates and enrollment guidance for all states. Here is all the information you need:
Most states adhere to the federal OEP, which runs from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2026. To ensure coverage begins on January 1, 2026, individuals should enroll by December 15, 2025. The following states follow this schedule, to learn more about the states without hyperlinks visit HealthCare.gov:
Some states operate their own health insurance exchanges and may have different OEP dates:
If you miss the OEP, you may still have options to obtain health insurance through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are triggered by qualifying life events such as:
To determine eligibility for an SEP, visit the HealthCare.gov Special Enrollment Period.
A Qualifying Life Event (QLE) is something you experience that results in a life situation change and thus makes you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to apply for health insurance even if you’ve missed the annual open enrollment deadline. Qualifying life event includes:
If you are qualified for a special enrollment period, you’ll have 60 days to enroll in a plan. If you miss that 60-day window, you’ll have to wait until the open enrollment period of that year.
It’s never too early to start preparing for open enrollment this year. Employers should inform their employees of the important dates and requirements regarding enrollment for health insurance plans for 2025. If you need any help or guidance on navigating this period, contact an our Employee Benefits Agency.
Q: How does open enrollment work for my employees?
Employees receive a notification when open enrollment opens, then log into the self-service portal to review plan options with cost comparisons and make their selections. Elections flow directly into payroll deductions automatically.
Q: What happens if my business or an employee misses the open enrollment deadline?
Missing the deadline doesn't necessarily mean waiting until next year — a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) may be available if the employee experiences a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, a change in household, or a change in residence. Once eligible, they'll have 60 days to enroll in a plan.
Q: What counts as a "qualifying life event" for a special enrollment period?
Common qualifying life events include losing health coverage through a job, school, or family member; getting married or divorced; having or adopting a child; a change of home address; changes in income; or becoming a U.S. citizen, among others. It's best to confirm specific eligibility through HealthCare.gov or your state's exchange.