Open enrollment: picking a health plan without overpaying
Marketplace open enrollment usually runs November 1 to January 15 (enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage); Medicare runs October 15 to December 7; job plans set their own dates. Check your plan’s change notice for new prices, networks and covered medicines. On the Marketplace, update your expected income, since help amounts can change. Compare total yearly cost, not just the monthly price. Shop on official sites, and use free navigators or SHIP counselors.
Your checklist
- Know your enrollment window
- Read your plan’s change notice
- Check doctors and medicines
- Update your income (Marketplace)
- Compare total yearly cost
- Use official sites and free help
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
When it happens
- Marketplace (HealthCare.gov and state sites): usually November 1 to January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Some states have different dates.
- Medicare: October 15 to December 7 to change drug or Medicare Advantage plans. A separate Medicare Advantage window runs January 1 to March 31.
- Job plans: your employer sets the dates, often in the fall.
Check what changed
Your plan sends a notice of changes. Look at the monthly price, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, whether your doctors and hospitals are still in network, and whether your medicines are still covered.
Marketplace: update your income
Premium help is based on your expected income for the coming year, and the amounts and rules can change. If you let your plan renew automatically, you may miss a cheaper option or the wrong help amount.
Compare total cost
Add up a year of premiums plus likely deductibles and copays. A higher monthly price can cost less overall if you use a lot of care.
Avoid look-alike plans
Some cheap plans sold by phone or online ads aren’t full health insurance and may not cover pre-existing conditions. Shop on official sites.
Free help
Marketplace navigators and, for Medicare, SHIP counselors offer free, unbiased help.
Official sources, and where to look
- HealthCare.gov: open enrollmenthealthcare.gov
- Medicare.gov: open enrollmentmedicare.gov
- SHIP: free Medicare counselingshiphelp.org
[your state] health insurance marketplace dateshealthcare.gov find local help
Common questions
What if I miss open enrollment?
You usually must wait until next year unless you have a qualifying life event, like losing coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications anytime. More ›
Will my Marketplace plan renew automatically?
Often yes, but prices and help amounts may change. Log in and review it. More ›
When is open enrollment for health insurance?
Marketplace plans usually November 1 to January 15, Medicare October 15 to December 7, and job plans on dates your employer sets. More ›
What should I check during open enrollment?
Price changes, deductible and out-of-pocket max, whether your doctors and medicines are still covered, and, on the Marketplace, your income estimate. More ›
What happens if I do nothing during open enrollment?
Many plans renew automatically, but prices, networks and help amounts can change, so you may pay more than needed. More ›
Can I change plans after open enrollment ends?
Usually only with a qualifying life event like losing coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby. More ›
Know someone who needs this?
Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.