TEXAS ACA / OBAMACARE
ACA Open Enrollment
The ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment Period generally runs from November 1 through January 15 each year.
Important dates for individuals and families
QUICK ANSWER
When Is ACA Open Enrollment?
For Marketplace health insurance, Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15 each year.
During this period, you can apply for Marketplace coverage, compare available plans, and enroll in coverage for the upcoming year.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
ACA Enrollment Deadlines
The date you enroll can affect when your Marketplace coverage begins.
| Enrollment deadline | Coverage generally starts |
|---|---|
| By December 15 | January 1 |
| December 16 – January 15 | February 1 |
Coverage generally begins on the dates shown above if enrollment is completed by the applicable deadline and the first premium is paid. Marketplace dates and deadlines can change. Always verify current dates and eligibility on HealthCare.gov.
UNDERSTANDING OPEN ENROLLMENT
What Is ACA Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is the annual period when people can enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan.
Open Enrollment is also important if you already have Marketplace coverage.
During Open Enrollment, you can update your application, review your expected household income, compare plans, and choose coverage for the new year.
It is also an opportunity for people who already have Marketplace coverage to review their current plan, update their household and income information, and compare plans for the new year.
Your health care needs, household, income, available plans, and costs may change from one year to the next. Reviewing your options can help you choose coverage that better fits your situation.
ALREADY HAVE ACA COVERAGE?
Don't Automatically Assume Your Current Plan Is Best
If you already have Marketplace coverage, Open Enrollment is a good time to review your information and compare available plans.
Update Your Income
Marketplace savings are based on your expected household income for the year you are applying for coverage. If your income changes, your potential savings may change as well.
Update Your Household
Changes in your household can affect your Marketplace application and potential financial assistance.
Compare Plans
Plans and prices can change from year to year. Review available plans instead of assuming your current plan will remain the best choice.
Check Your Network
If you regularly see particular doctors, specialists, or hospitals, check whether they participate in the plan you are considering.
Don't rely on automatic re-enrollment without reviewing your information.
If you already have Marketplace coverage, you may be automatically re-enrolled in coverage for the next year. However, your plan, premium, provider network, benefits, or Marketplace savings may change.
During Open Enrollment, review your Marketplace application, update your expected household income and household information, and compare the plans available for the new year.
AFTER OPEN ENROLLMENT
What If You Miss January 15?
After January 15, you generally cannot enroll in or change Marketplace coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Certain life events may create a Special Enrollment Period. Examples can include losing other health coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving.
Your eligibility depends on your specific circumstances and the applicable Marketplace rules.
Learn About Special Enrollment Periods →LOST EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE?
You May Not Have to Wait Until Open Enrollment
Losing job-based health coverage may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. This can allow you to enroll in Marketplace coverage outside the regular Open Enrollment period.
If you recently lost your employer health insurance, don't assume that January 15 is your only opportunity to get Marketplace coverage.
Learn More About Special Enrollment →BEFORE YOU APPLY
Information You May Want to Have Ready
Household Information
Information about the people in your household and who will be included on your application.
Expected Income
An estimate of your household income for the year you want coverage. Marketplace savings are based on expected income.
Current Coverage
Information about current or recently lost health insurance, including employer coverage.
Doctors & Hospitals
If you have preferred doctors, specialists, hospitals, or medications, consider checking plan networks and formularies when comparing plans.
AFTER YOU CHOOSE A PLAN
Pay Your First Premium and Confirm Your Coverage
Choosing a Marketplace plan is an important step, but your coverage will not start until you pay your first premium to the insurance company.
The first premium is paid directly to your insurance company, not to the Marketplace. Follow the insurance company's instructions for making the payment.
Don't assume your coverage is active just because you selected a plan.
After enrollment, confirm the plan, effective date, and first-premium payment. If you are unsure whether your coverage is active, check your Marketplace account and confirm with the insurance company.
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Verify Current Dates and Eligibility
ACA Marketplace rules, dates, plan availability, prices, and eligibility can change. For the most current official information, visit HealthCare.gov.
RELATED ACA GUIDES
Continue Learning About Texas ACA / Obamacare
Special Enrollment Period
Missed Open Enrollment? Learn when losing health coverage or another qualifying life event may allow you to enroll outside the annual enrollment period.
I Lost My Job and Health Insurance — What Should I Do? →ACA Income & Subsidies
Learn how household income relates to Marketplace financial assistance and what types of income generally count.
Income & Subsidy Guide →Texas FPL Guide
See approximate Federal Poverty Level income figures for Texas households and learn what common FPL percentages mean.
Texas FPL Guide →ACA PLAN SHOPPING
Ready to Review Your ACA Marketplace Options?
If you are enrolling for the first time or reviewing your current Marketplace coverage, I can help you understand available plan options, premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and other important differences.
You generally do not pay me a separate fee for insurance guidance and enrollment assistance. If you enroll through me, I am typically compensated by the insurance company.
Assistance is available in both English and Chinese.
Important Information
This page is provided for general educational purposes and is not a determination of eligibility for Marketplace coverage or financial assistance.
Actual eligibility, plan availability, premiums, financial assistance, coverage effective dates, and other Marketplace details depend on your application and applicable federal rules.
Please verify current information through HealthCare.gov and review the applicable plan documents before enrolling.
Last reviewed: September 2026