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Glossary

Open enrollment

A set time period each year when you can sign up for health insurance or make changes to your coverage.

Open enrollment is the time of year when you can apply for health insurance, switch plans, or make changes without a penalty. Outside of open enrollment, you usually can't make these changes unless you have a major life event (like losing your job or having a baby).

For Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. You can change your coverage during this time.

For health insurance through the ACA (Affordable Care Act) Marketplace, open enrollment typically runs from November through January, but exact dates change each year. You can apply through HealthCare.gov.

For other benefits like Medicaid and CHIP, you can usually apply at any time of year—there is no open enrollment restriction.

During open enrollment, it's a good time to review your coverage options and apply for tax credits that can lower your premiums.

Programs where this matters

MedicaidCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.ACA SubsidiesCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesPremium tax credits may lower the monthly cost of a health plan you buy through the ACA Marketplace.CHIPCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesCHIP gives low-cost health coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.MedicareCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare is federal health insurance for older adults and some younger people with disabilities.