Missed Open Enrollment? Here's What to Do

When Open Enrollment Closes

The ACA Open Enrollment Period for 2026 marketplace plans ran from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026. If you missed this window without a qualifying life event, you generally cannot enroll in a standard ACA marketplace plan until next Open Enrollment (starting November 1, 2026 for 2027 coverage).

However, “missed open enrollment” is not the end of the road. Several pathways can still get you covered this year.

Special Enrollment Periods: The Main Exception

A qualifying life event (QLE) opens a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that allows marketplace enrollment outside Open Enrollment. Common QLEs include:

• Losing employer health coverage (most common)
• Getting married or having/adopting a child
• Moving to a new coverage area
• Losing Medicaid or CHIP eligibility
• Gaining citizenship or lawful presence status
• A change in income that crosses a subsidy threshold

If you have experienced any qualifying life event within the past 60 days, you may still be able to enroll in a marketplace plan. The 60-day window runs from the date of the qualifying event, not the date you realize you need coverage.

Medicaid: Year-Round Enrollment

Medicaid has no enrollment period — you can apply at any time of year if you meet the eligibility requirements. In the 40+ states that expanded Medicaid, adults with household incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level (~$21,000 for a single adult, ~$44,000 for a family of four in 2026) qualify. If your income is low enough, this is your fastest path to coverage regardless of when you apply.

Short-Term Health Plans: A Cautious Bridge Option

Short-term health insurance plans are available year-round in most states and can provide some coverage during gaps. However, short-term plans are not ACA-compliant — they can deny applicants, exclude pre-existing conditions, and have coverage caps. They are a bridge option for healthy individuals who have no qualifying life event and cannot wait for next Open Enrollment, but they are not a substitute for ACA coverage if you have any health history or ongoing medical needs.