Open Enrollment Happening Now!
Open enrollment is a great time to change plans without a qualifying life event. You can enroll or switch plans Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026.
Please note: If you miss open enrollment, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period to make changes (unless you qualify for special enrollment).
Special Enrollment
Outside open enrollment, you can apply for special enrollment if you experience a qualifying life event like marriage or having a baby.
- Set up new insurance coverage or make plan updates.
- Report a life change within 60 days of the qualifying life event.
- New or updated coverage starts the first of the month after you complete special enrollment.
When is open enrollment for 2026 plans?
Open enrollment for 2025 ended on Jan. 15, 2025. Explore your options to see if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or other coverage today. The next open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026, with coverage starting as soon as Jan. 1, 2026, if you enroll by Dec. 15, 2025.
Do I need to enroll if I already have health insurance?
Yes. You need to re-enroll in your health insurance plan year after year. Therefore, open enrollment is a great time to ensure you still have the right plan for you and your family. For example, if you picked a high deductible plan during the previous enrollment period, but your circumstances have changed, you can update to a plan more suited to your needs.
Why should I get covered during open enrollment?
Health insurance protects you from unexpected, high medical costs. You also pay less for covered in-network care because of our partnership with providers throughout our dedicated network and the Avera Health system. You receive free preventive care, including wellness exams and vaccines and, depending on your age, preventive screenings like mammography and colon tests.
Do I qualify for premium tax credits and other savings?
It’s possible. The enhanced premium tax credits that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been extended by Congress and will expire at the end of this year.
In 2026, premium tax credits will still be offered to qualifying health insurance buyers, but the amount of premium assistance will revert to pre-COVID lower levels, meaning that most enrollees will see increases in premiums.
Our on-exchange health care plans sold through the federal Marketplace (healthcare.gov) include potential tax credits. Get an estimate of savings based on your household size and income.
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What do I need to apply for an individual or family insurance plan?
For each applicant — individual or family member — who will be covered by the policy, make sure you have the following information:
- Home and/or mailing addresses
- Birth dates and phone numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Document information for legal immigrations
- Employer and income information for every member of your household (For example: pay stubs or W-2 forms: Wage and Tax Statements)
- An estimate of your annual household income
If you apply in person or through an agent, bring your previous year's tax return, because it will usually contain this, and other important information needed for your application.
Once I’m enrolled, when does my plan start?
- During general open enrollment: Open enrollment for 2026 takes place Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. When you enroll during this period through Dec. 15, your new plan starts Jan. 1 of the following calendar year. If you enroll between Dec. 15 through Jan. 15, your new plan starts Feb. 1.
- For special enrollment/qualifying life events: Your plan starts the first day of the following month after you enroll. For example, if you enroll for a plan in February, your plan will start March 1.
Which life events qualify for special enrollment?
There are several types of life events that can qualify you for a special enrollment period, including:
- Getting married
- Turning 26 years old
- Having a baby, adopting a child or placing a child for foster care
- Moving your household
- Divorce or legal separation
- Death
- Loss of coverage
Learn more about seeking coverage for health insurance outside of open enrollment.
How do I apply for special enrollment?
You must report changes within 60 days of a qualifying event.
How long can I stay on my parents’ insurance?
Up until you turn 26 years old, you can stay on your parents’ health plan. If you’d like to get a plan on your own (depending on household size and income), you may qualify for premium tax credits to reduce your monthly premium and/or lower out-of-pocket costs.
Find out how to enroll for the first time if you’re 26 years old or older.
If I’m getting married or starting a family, what should I look at for coverage?
Congratulations! This is an exciting time in your life and you're taking an important step by looking for health coverage. First of all, identify your monthly budget and how much you can afford to pay each month for your premium.
Note: If you have an annual income of less than $96,000 for a family of four, you may be eligible for tax credits and cost reductions. However, if coverage is available through an employer, you may not be eligible for tax credits. Find out if you qualify for lower health insurance costs at Healthcare.gov.
