Is Open Enrollment Open Today?
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Live yes/no for Medicare Annual Open Enrollment and ACA Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) open enrollment. People often confuse the two — they are different programs with different calendars.
Medicare Annual Open Enrollment
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Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2026
ACA Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)
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Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027
Medicare vs Marketplace — comparison
Federal dates for the 2027 plan year. Always verify on the official sites linked below.
| Program | Open enrollment dates | What you can change | Coverage start | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare AEP | Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2026 | Switch Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D (drug) plans; drop Advantage and return to Original Medicare + Part D | Jan 1, 2027 (for changes made during AEP) | Medicare.gov |
| ACA Marketplace | Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027 | Enroll in or change individual/family Marketplace plans (HealthCare.gov or state marketplace) | Jan 1, 2027 if enrolled by Dec 15, 2026; later enrollments may start Feb 1 | HealthCare.gov dates |
Quick facts for 2026–2027
- Medicare AEP starts first: October 15, 2026 — before Marketplace OEP.
- Marketplace OEP: November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 (federal).
- Jan 1 coverage: Marketplace enroll by Dec 15, 2026 for January 1 start; Medicare AEP changes generally effective Jan 1, 2027.
- State marketplaces (CA, NY, etc.) may publish their own open-enrollment calendars — check your state site if you do not use HealthCare.gov.
- Special Enrollment Periods can open outside these windows after qualifying events.
FAQ
Is Medicare open enrollment open today?
Medicare Annual Open Enrollment (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. If today falls in that range, Medicare AEP is open. Use the live YES/NO above — it updates from your device date.
Is HealthCare.gov / Marketplace open enrollment open today?
Federal ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage starting January 1, 2027. Some state-based marketplaces use different dates.
What is the difference between Medicare and Marketplace open enrollment?
Medicare AEP is for people with Medicare who want to change Advantage or Part D plans. Marketplace OEP is for people shopping for individual or family plans through HealthCare.gov (or a state marketplace). Overlapping calendars, different programs.
When does Medicare open enrollment 2026 start and end?
October 15, 2026 – December 7, 2026. Changes made during AEP generally take effect January 1, 2027.
When does ACA Marketplace open enrollment start in 2026?
Federal Marketplace Open Enrollment starts November 1, 2026 and ends January 15, 2027. Confirm at HealthCare.gov.
Can I enroll outside open enrollment?
Sometimes. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) may apply after loss of coverage, a move, marriage, birth, or other qualifying events. Medicare also has Initial Enrollment, Initial Coverage Election, and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment periods. Check the official sites for your case.
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Sources
- Medicare.gov — When can I join a health or drug plan? (Annual Open Enrollment Oct 15–Dec 7)
- HealthCare.gov — Marketplace deadlines / 2027 coverage
- HealthCare.gov — Get coverage
- CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Last updated 2026-10-15. Unofficial tool — not affiliated with CMS, Medicare, or HealthCare.gov.