Health Insurance Open Enrollment: Key Dates, Plan Types, and How to Choose

Open enrollment is the specific time period each year when you can sign up for health insurance, change your current plan, or drop coverage you no longer need. Outside of this window, you generally cannot make changes unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event like getting married, having a baby, or losing a job.

For most Americans, there are two types of open enrollment to know about: the federal Health Insurance Marketplace and employer-based health coverage.

The Marketplace open enrollment period runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states (some state-run marketplaces have slightly different dates). Plans purchased by December 15 usually start on January 1. Plans purchased between December 16 and January 15 start on February 1. If you miss this window, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Employer open enrollment is set by your employer and usually happens in the fall — often in October or November — with coverage starting January 1. Check with your HR department for your specific dates.

Understanding plan types helps you compare your options. The most common are HMO, PPO, EPO, and HDHP plans. HMOs require you to choose a primary care doctor and get referrals for specialists. PPOs offer more flexibility to see any doctor, but usually cost more. HDHPs have lower premiums but higher deductibles. And they pair well with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). EPOs are a hybrid — no referrals needed, but only in-network care is covered.

When comparing plans, look at the monthly premium (what you pay every month whether or not you use healthcare), the deductible (what you pay before insurance kicks in), and the out-of-pocket maximum (the most you could ever pay in a year). Also check that your doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network.