Open Enrollment is the yearly period when individuals can enroll in a health insurance plan. Those who enroll outside of this period must qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
This year, Open Enrollment for most states* runs from November 1 to December 15, 2020. Plans sold during Open Enrollment start January 1, 2021.
This means that in order to re-enroll or to enroll in a new health insurance plan, you must complete your application by December 15, 2020.
If you don’t act by December 15, you can’t get 2021 coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Note: If you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can apply any time.
*Several states, including California, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., have extended their Open Enrollment through January. Other states that use their own state exchange often extend their open enrollment as well. For more information, be sure to check your state's marketplace website.