There are two times when you can sign up for health coverage through Explore Health:
- Open Enrollment
- Special Enrollment Periods
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is the yearly time when you can:
- Sign up for a health plan
- Change plans
- Renew your coverage
- End your coverage
2027 Open Enrollment Dates
November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027
You can come back and update your application or change your plan any time before Open Enrollment ends.
When coverage starts
If you enroll between November 1 and January 15, 2027:
- Your coverage will start on January 1, 2027 if you enroll by December 31, 2026.
Special Enrollment Periods
You may still be able to get health coverage outside Open Enrollment if you have a major life change.
This is called a Special Enrollment Period.
Common reasons include:
- Losing other health coverage
- Moving
- Getting married
- Having a baby
- Adopting a child
- Changes to your household or income
When Special Enrollment coverage starts
Most Special Enrollment coverage starts:
- On the first day of the month after you choose a plan
Birth or adoption
If you have a baby or adopt a child:
- Coverage can start on the date of birth or adoption.
Adding family members
You can add family members to your application during Open Enrollment.
After your coverage starts, you usually can't add or remove someone unless you have a qualifying life event, like:
- Birth
- Adoption
- Guardianship changes
Tribal member enrollment flexibility
American Indian and Alaska Native households may be able to enroll or change plans at any time during the year.
Need help?
Explore Health can help you:
- Understand enrollment dates
- Compare plans
- Find out if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
- Get free enrollment help