What to Look for During the Open Enrollment Period
16 Min Read | Nov 6, 2025
Key Takeaways
- The open enrollment period is your chance to buy health insurance through the open marketplace or your employer (plus other coverage your company may offer).
- Open enrollment for federal marketplace health coverage during 2026 starts November 1, 2025, and closes January 15, 2026, while state-run exchanges have their own dates within that window. So be sure to find out if your state has its own marketplace and, if so, what your enrollment deadline will be.
- Generally, it’s cheaper to go with your company’s health insurance than the open market. But make sure to compare just in case.
- Avoid vision and dental insurance and anything marketed as “investment insurance,” like whole life or universal life.
Open enrollment—it’s one of the most important seasons of the year. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with pumpkins or presents—mostly just confusion. But don’t worry. We’ll go over everything you need to look for during the open enrollment period so you can feel good about your health care coverage this year!
What Is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment refers to the window of time when you can sign up for employee benefits like health insurance—and it only happens once a year.
That means it’s a time to choose the best health insurance for your needs—a crucial layer of protection that can have a big impact on your financial future.
Here's A Tip
Although the names and dates are similar, your yearly chance to sign up or make changes to your Medicare coverage is called the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. It runs from October 15 to December 7.
Open enrollment also refers to the period when you can buy insurance on the open marketplace (run by the federal government or your state government).
Once the enrollment window closes, you’re locked into your current coverage until the next year—and that applies whether you’re getting coverage through your employer or on the marketplace. So make sure you know the open enrollment dates that apply to your situation!
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
That said, there are a few exceptions to the open enrollment deadlines. You can sign up for insurance outside of the open enrollment period if you have a major life change, like getting married or divorced or becoming a parent. You’re also eligible to enroll if you’re a new hire. These are called special enrollment periods. Pretty straightforward.
When Can You Get Health Insurance?
The big thing most people are concerned about is health insurance, so we’ll start there. If you work at a company that offers health insurance, you’ll be able to sign up:
- During open enrollment
- When you’re hired (special enrollment)
- After a qualifying life event, like getting married or divorced, losing insurance, or having a kid (also special enrollment)
If you’re looking at the federal marketplace, a state exchange, Medicare or private insurance, check the chart below for when you can enroll.
|
Enrollment Type |
Who It’s For |
When You Can Enroll |
Coverage Options Available |
|
Employer Open Enrollment |
Employees offered health insurance and benefits through their job |
Once per year (dates set by your employer—often in November) |
Employer health insurance, plus optional benefits like term life and disability insurance and identity theft protection |
|
Marketplace Open Enrollment (Healthcare.gov or State Exchange) |
Anyone not covered through another government plan or through an employer plan |
Federal: Nov. 1, 2025–Jan. 15, 2026 State-run exchanges: varies by state (usually within that window, see chart below) |
Individual and family plans (HMO, PPO, EPO, POS and HDHP—we’ll give more detail on these plans below) |
|
Medicare Annual Enrollment |
Adults age 65+ (or those qualifying for disability Medicare) |
Oct. 15–Dec. 7 every year |
Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage, or Part D prescription coverage |
|
Special Enrollment Period (Employer or Marketplace) |
People with qualifying life events (marriage, divorce, new baby, job change, loss of coverage, etc.) |
Within 60 days of the qualifying event |
Same options as open enrollment (through employer or marketplace) |
|
HSA (Health Savings Account) Enrollment |
Anyone with an HDHP that qualifies under IRS guidelines |
Any time of year |
Tax-advantaged savings for medical expenses |
|
Private Insurance |
Pretty much anyone, especially people who don’t have access to health insurance as an employee benefit |
Any time of year |
HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, POS plans and HDHPs |
Types of Health Insurance That Use Open Enrollment
Most key types of health insurance will be available during an open enrollment period. These include:
- Employer-sponsored health insurance
- Marketplace health insurance
- Medicare
Medicare actually has a few different enrollment periods depending on what you’re signing up for. The most important one is the Annual Enrollment Period every year from October 15 to December 7.
When Is the Open Enrollment Period?
Open enrollment dates depend on the state you live in and who you’re getting your insurance through (marketplace or employer). But they tend to start in the fall and end in December or January.
If you plan to go with your employer’s health insurance, make sure you know your company’s open enrollment dates—they’ll be unique to your company. Marketplace health insurance, on the other hand, becomes available during specific periods set by the state or federal government.
Tip: State-run marketplaces each set their own open enrollment deadlines, but most follow a two-phase schedule. If you enroll by your state’s December deadline, your coverage will kick in on January 1. If you sign up between that date and the final January deadline, your coverage will start February 1. Check your state’s dates so you don’t miss your chance to start the new year with coverage in place.
For the open enrollment period for 2026 coverage, there are 20 states (plus Washington, D.C.) with state-run open enrollment. The rest of the states use federal-run open enrollment. Federal open enrollment begins November 1, 2025, and the deadline to get coverage by January 1, 2026, is December 15, 2025. To get coverage by February 1, 2026, you’ll need to enroll by January 15, 2026—the absolute deadline for 2026 coverage.
For the 20 states (and D.C.) that run their own marketplaces for insurance, open enrollment dates are all over the place. Check out this chart to find the deadline in your state:
State-Run Open Enrollment for 2026 Plans
|
State |
Open Enrollment Dates |
Plan Effective Dates |
|
California New Jersey Rhode Island |
November 1, 2025–January 31, 2026 |
For your coverage to start January 1, 2026, you need to enroll by December 31, 2025. If you don’t enroll until sometime in January, your coverage won’t begin until February 1, 2026. |
|
Colorado Connecticut Georgia Illinois Kentucky Maine Maryland Minnesota Nevada New Mexico Pennsylvania Vermont Washington |
November 1, 2025–January 15, 2026 |
In Maryland and Nevada, if you enroll by December 31, 2025, your coverage will start January 1, 2026. In every other state in this category, you must enroll by December 15, 2025, for your coverage to start January 1, 2026. After that, coverage purchased by January 15, 2026, starts February 1, 2026. |
|
Idaho |
October 15, 2025–December 15, 2025 |
For everyone who enrolls during open enrollment, coverage will start January 1, 2026. |
|
Massachusetts |
November 1, 2025–January 23, 2026 |
For coverage that starts January 1, 2026, enroll by December 23, 2025. Coverage for those who enroll between December 24, 2025, and January 23, 2026, will start February 1, 2026. |
|
Virginia |
November 1, 2025–January 30, 2026 |
If you enroll by December 15, your coverage will start January 1, 2026. If you enroll between December 16, 2025, and January 30, 2026, your coverage will start February 1, 2026. |
|
New York Washington, D.C. |
November 1, 2025–January 31, 2026 |
If you enroll by December 15, your coverage will start January 1, 2026. If you enroll after that but before the January 31, 2026, deadline, your coverage will start February 1, 2026. |
Source: healthinsurance.org.1 State-run exchange plan information subject to change.
What Health Insurance Plans and Benefits Are Available?
If you’re going through your employer, your health insurance plan options will depend on what your employer offers, but you’ll likely be able to choose from at least a few of the types listed below. If you’re heading to the open market, you’ll choose from these types of plans:
|
Plan Type |
How It Works |
Network Rules |
Referrals Needed? |
Typical Costs |
Best For |
Ramsey Tip |
|
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) |
You choose a primary care doctor who coordinates your care. All visits and referrals go through them. |
Must use in-network providers except for emergencies. |
Yes |
Lower premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs |
People who don’t mind limited choice of doctors and want predictable costs |
Great if you’re healthy and your favorite doctors are in-network. |
|
You can see any doctor—no referrals required. You’ll pay less if you stay in-network. |
Both in- and out-of-network coverage, but out-of-network costs more. |
No |
Higher premiums, more flexibility |
People who want more freedom to choose doctors and don’t mind paying more for it |
A solid option if you travel often or want access to specialists. |
|
|
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) |
Like an HMO but without referrals. No coverage outside your network (except for emergencies). |
Must use in-network providers. |
No |
Moderate premiums |
People who want flexibility to see specialists directly but can stay in-network |
A good middle ground if you want convenience without PPO-level costs. |
|
POS (Point of Service) Plan |
Combines HMO and PPO features: You have a primary doctor and need referrals, but you can go out-of-network at higher cost. |
In-network preferred, limited out-of-network coverage. |
Usually |
Moderate premiums |
People who want a little more flexibility but don’t use doctors often |
Offers some flexibility, but still best to stay in-network to save money. |
|
HDHP (High-Deductible Health Plan) |
You pay a higher deductible before coverage kicks in, but your monthly premiums are lower. Eligible for an HSA. |
Usually in-network required (varies by plan type). |
No |
Low premiums, high out-of-pocket costs |
Healthy people with few medical expenses |
Pair it with an HSA to save on taxes and medical costs long term. |
|
Short-Term Plan |
Temporary coverage (a few months up to nearly a year) for people between jobs or waiting for new coverage. |
Vary by plan; often limited networks. |
No |
Lower premiums, limited coverage |
People needing temporary protection |
Use only as a short bridge—doesn’t meet Affordable Care Act standards. |
|
Catastrophic Plan |
Covers major emergencies after you meet a very high deductible. You pay most routine costs yourself. |
Limited network options. |
No |
Lowest premiums, highest deductibles |
Adults under 30 or those who qualify for hardship exemptions |
It’s a budget-friendly safety net, but expect to pay out of pocket for most care. |
Get the health insurance you need from Health Trust Financial today!
When RamseyTrusted partner Health Trust Financial is in your corner, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have the right health insurance that won’t break the bank.
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan
Choosing the right plan will come down to what you need.
For folks who are young and healthy with few medical expenses, we recommend a high-deductible health plan with an HSA (if you can get it). You’ll save money on premiums and enjoy a triple tax shelter through the HSA.
Here’s how an HSA gives you three tax advantages:
- You’re not taxed when you put money into your HSA.
- The money in your HSA grows tax-free.
- You’re not taxed when you take money out to pay for medical expenses.
But the HDHP/HSA option isn’t right for everyone. If you have health problems or kids and use your health insurance a lot, an HDHP could end up costing you more than a traditional health plan. In this case, you’ll need to run some “guesstimate” numbers and figure out which plan will save you the most in the long run.
Some questions to ask yourself if you’re thinking about whether to renew your health plan from last year or switch:
- How much did it cost last year? (Add up premiums, the deductible and out-of-pocket costs.)
- Did this feel high for your budget? If so, consider running the numbers on a different plan.
- Have your health care needs changed?
- Is your doctor or clinic in-network for the plan you’re considering?
- If you take medication, would your plan cover it?
If your current options for health insurance aren’t working for you, another option is a health cost sharing ministry. While this isn’t formal insurance, organizations like Christian Healthcare Ministries share the cost of medical expenses among members and can be a good option for people looking for something outside the system.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?
For 2026, the average cost for marketplace health insurance for an individual is $625 per month.2 A silver-level family plan for a 40-year-old married couple with two kids costs $560 per month on average.3 For 2025, the average cost for individual coverage through an employer is $120 per month, and the average cost of family coverage is $570 per month.,4,5
But these are averages. Keep in mind, your insurance cost will depend on a lot of factors, like your age, health, the type of plan you choose, how many people are on your plan, and—if you’re getting insurance through your work—how much your employer covers.
Don’t let the price of health insurance keep you from getting it! Health insurance is a must for protecting you financially. One big health incident—an accident, sickness, whatever!—could wipe out your savings or worse.
Sure, it’s a pain to pay premiums every month for something you never want to use. But those premiums pay the insurance company to cover the risks you can’t afford to cover on your own.
Open Enrollment Through Your Employer
If you thought you were done with open enrollment, hold up now. There are a few more benefits you can get during open enrollment—and some you probably want to avoid.
Health Savings Accounts
An HSA is a special account to help you save money for medical expenses. Like we mentioned earlier, it has some awesome tax benefits.
How much you’re allowed to save: The government sets a limit on how much you can save in an HSA.
Contribution limits for 2025:
- Contribution limit for an individual: $4,300
- Contribution limit for a family: $8,5506
Here's A Tip
For tax year 2025, you can contribute to your HSA all the way up to the federal income tax filing deadline of April 15, 2026.
Contribution limits for 2026:
- Contribution limit for an individual: $4,400
- Contribution limit for a family: $8,7507
While open enrollment is a great time to set up an HSA if you qualify, you can actually set one up any time of the year if you already have an HDHP. But don’t put it off!
Other Insurance
Besides health insurance, your employer may offer a few other kinds of insurance, like vision, dental and disability insurance. Some of these are good, while others aren’t. You want to make sure you get the right kinds of insurance to protect your money.
Don’t Sign Up for These Benefits at Open Enrollment
You may not need to sign up for everything your employer offers during open enrollment. Here are a few benefits you might hear about that you should avoid:
- Cancer insurance
- Accidental death insurance
- “Investment insurance” plans, like whole life or universal life
Don’t be fooled by the marketing language around these policies. They’re designed to make money for the seller, and they don’t actually give you valuable coverage. So skip them.
Dental and vision insurance premiums are also usually a waste. If you have an HSA, you can pay for checkups, dental work, contacts and glasses with the money in your HSA. If not, just budget for those expenses.
Do Sign Up for These Benefits at Open Enrollment
Do check to see if your employer offers any of the following insurance benefits. If they do, take advantage of each one. And if they don’t, or you aren’t getting coverage through an employer, look for policies on your own.
Identity Theft Insurance
Identity theft is on the rise. It’s not a matter of if this happens to you or your family—it’s a matter of when.
Identity theft protection repays you for stolen funds and recovery expenses—and instead of you chasing down those funds, an insurance agent does it for you. It’ll save you a ton of time and energy. And the best part is, it’s one of the most affordable types of insurance you’ll ever have!
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance is essential because it provides for your family if you pass away unexpectedly.
Here's A Tip
You need term life insurance coverage equal to 10–12 times your yearly income to be sure your spouse and children are well taken care of.
While you can get some term life insurance through your job, employer policies usually don’t provide enough coverage. That means the bulk of your life insurance won’t be through your employer. You need to buy coverage on your own as well in case you change jobs. (Good news: It’s cheap.)
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Most of us like to think we’re invincible, but accidents happen every day that change people’s lives forever. The risk of disability is a reality you can’t afford to ignore, which is why disability insurance is so important.
If an illness or injury ever prevents you from working for a long period of time, your disability insurance kicks in and replaces a portion of your income until you can go back to work. That’s a way better deal than finding yourself with no money coming in and no way to make more. Disability insurance will make sure the bills get paid and your family is taken care of.
So, if your employer offers long-term disability, you should take it. If they offer short-term disability for free, also take that, but know you’ll need to supplement it with your own long-term policy as well.
|
Insurance Type |
What It Covers |
When You Can Enroll |
Ramsey Recommendation |
Why It Matters (or Doesn’t) |
|
Term Life Insurance |
Pays your family a lump sum if you die unexpectedly. |
During employer open enrollment or anytime if you buy your own policy. |
✅ Get it. Make sure coverage equals 10–12 times your annual income. |
Essential protection for your family’s future. Don’t rely only on employer coverage—it usually isn’t enough or portable if you change jobs. |
|
Long-Term Disability Insurance |
Replaces part of your income if you can’t work due to illness or injury. |
During employer open enrollment or anytime if purchased privately. |
✅ Get it. Take your employer’s long-term disability plan if offered (and short-term if it’s free). |
Protects your income—the most important asset you have. |
|
Identity Theft Insurance |
Covers costs and lost funds if your identity is stolen. |
Usually during open enrollment or anytime if purchased separately. |
✅ Get it. Choose a plan that includes recovery services. |
Identity theft is common—and recovery takes time and money. Let a pro handle it for you. |
|
Vision and Dental Insurance |
Covers eye exams, glasses, contacts and dental cleanings. |
During employer open enrollment. |
🚫 Skip it. Pay for routine care out of pocket or with HSA funds. |
Premiums often cost more than the benefits you’ll receive. |
|
“Investment Insurance” (Whole or Universal Life) |
Combines life insurance with a savings or investment component. |
During employer open enrollment or anytime if purchased from private insurers. |
🚫 Avoid it. Stick with term life only. |
These plans are expensive and rarely build wealth. It’s better to invest through your retirement accounts. |
|
Cancer, Accident or Disease-Specific Insurance |
Pays lump sums for specific diagnoses or injuries. |
During employer open enrollment. |
🚫 Avoid it. |
These plans duplicate coverage you already have through health insurance and don’t provide real financial protection. |
Find the Best Health Insurance Plan for You
If you’re heading to the open marketplace for health insurance, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. We wouldn’t blame you—there’s a lot to figure out. The good news is, we’ve got some next steps for you.
Next Steps
- Read more about why health insurance is an essential part of a smart financial plan.
- Go deeper to learn more about how to get health insurance.
- When you’re ready to buy, instead of doing all the legwork yourself—shopping around, comparing quotes, researching this option, contrasting that option—hand that work over to our friends at Health Trust Financial. As our trusted health insurance provider, they know their stuff. In fact, they’ve been serving Ramsey fans for over 20 years. When you work with Health Trust Financial, they can set you up with the best health insurance quotes and policies for your situation and explain all the insurance jargon. Plus, they’ll never try to sell you something you don’t need. Connect with them now!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
When is open enrollment for health insurance coverage in 2026?
-
Open enrollment for federal marketplace health insurance for 2026 will be from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Twenty states plus Washington, D.C., run their own marketplaces and have their own open enrollment dates.
For open enrollment periods in the workplace, dates are set by individual companies and can vary, but they often take place in November.
-
When is Medicare open enrollment?
-
You can enroll in Medicare from October 15 to December 7, 2024. Changes from that period will take effect on January 1, 2025.
-
When does open enrollment end?
-
For 2025 coverage, open enrollment ends January 15, 2025. This is for marketplace coverage run by the federal government. States that run their own marketplace set their own dates for the end of open enrollment.
-
Can you sign up for an HSA outside of open enrollment?
-
As long as your health plan meets the IRS requirements to qualify as an HDHP, you can open an HSA anytime—including (but not exclusively) during open enrollment.
-
How can I make sure my coverage is in effect on January 1?
-
To have coverage January 1, 2026, with a federal marketplace health insurance plan, make sure you sign up before December 15, 2025. For people who sign up between November 1 and December 15, coverage will start the first of the year. But if you sign up between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026, your coverage won't start until February 1, 2026.
If you’re getting coverage through your workplace, your coverage start date will depend on the provider your company goes through and when they set their open enrollment. But most employer-based coverage will begin January 1.
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