Want to know more about the health reform law and what it means for people without employer-based health insurance? We’ll walk you through the basics of how Affordable Care Act (ACA) has changed the health insurance buying process, all in three steps:

1. Changes WHAT you buy
2. Changes HOW you buy
3. Changes WHEN you buy

Open Enrollment

In most states there will be one open enrollment period per year when people who want major medical insurance are guaranteed to have their application approved.

November 1, 2025

Open enrollment begins for 2026 major medical insurance plans.

During the open enrollment period, our insurance agents will help you shop, customize, and enroll into health insurance either on or off the government exchanges.

January 1, 2026

First date 2026 major medical coverage can start.

January 15, 2026

Last day of the 2026 open enrollment period.

If you don’t enroll by January 15, 2026, you can’t enroll in a health insurance plan for 2026 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). 

Special Enrollment Periods

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you typically cannot get major medical health coverage without a qualifying life event. A qualifying life event triggers a 60 day “special enrollment period” that will allow you to apply for a plan and guarantee your application is approved.

*Dates subject to change
Source: When can you get health insurance? | HealthCare.gov