Short answer: usually no, unless you have a qualifying life event. Health insurance in the U.S. is designed around annual enrollment windows to keep the risk pool balanced. But there are real exceptions — and if one applies to you, you have a limited window to act.
The two enrollment windows
- Open Enrollment — an annual window (typically Nov 1 to Jan 15 on the Marketplace) when anyone can enroll or switch plans.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — a 60-day window triggered by a qualifying life event.
Qualifying life events that let you switch
- Losing other health coverage (job change, aging off a parent's plan, COBRA ending, Medicaid ending).
- Getting married or divorced.
- Having a baby, adopting, or placing a child for adoption.
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county with different plan options.
- A significant change in income that affects subsidy eligibility.
- Becoming a U.S. citizen or lawfully present.
How long do I have?
Most SEPs give you 60 days from the event to enroll or change plans. Miss the window and you'll typically have to wait for the next Open Enrollment — so don't delay.
What if I have Medicare?
Medicare has its own rules. The Annual Election Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) is when most people can change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. There are also Medicare-specific Special Enrollment Periods for moves, plan terminations, and certain other situations.
What about small business plans?
If you have group coverage through work, changes are usually limited to your employer's annual open enrollment or a qualifying life event. Talk to your HR contact first.
Not sure if you qualify?
SEPs have specific documentation requirements, and the rules aren't always intuitive. If something in your life has changed and you're wondering whether it opens a window, that's a quick conversation — reach out and I'll help you sort it out.
Medicare plan disclosure
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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