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.
Note: In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, the President signed an executive order to help more Americans enroll in health insurance. Beginning February 15, 2021 and continuing through August 15, 2021, all Marketplace-eligible consumers qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
After August 15th, 2021, you must have a Qualifying Life Event in order to enroll in a new plan for 2021. Catch asks questions during your application to determine if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. For more information, see our help article about SEP
Generally, Open Enrollment for most states* runs from November 1 to December 15. Plans sold during Open Enrollment start January 1.
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., 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.