Enrollment timing · Medicare & ACA · 2026
When can you sign up or switch?
Every Medicare and ACA enrollment window for 2026, in one place — with what you can actually do in each, and what to do if you've missed one.
Most plan changes happen during a fixed window: Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs Oct 15 – Dec 7, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs Jan 1 – Mar 31, and ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment runs Nov 1 – Jan 15. Outside those, you generally need a Special Enrollment Period — which a move, a job change, losing coverage, turning 65, or qualifying for a Special Needs Plan can open at any time of year.
2026 enrollment windows at a glance
| Window | 2026 dates | What you can do | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Initial Enrollment (IEP) | 7 months around your 65th birthday | First sign-up for Parts A, B, C, and D | New to Medicare at 65 |
| Medicare Annual Enrollment (AEP) | Oct 15 – Dec 7 | Switch Medicare Advantage or Part D; move between Original Medicare and Advantage. Changes start Jan 1. | Anyone on Medicare |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA-OEP) | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | Make one change: switch Advantage plans, or drop back to Original Medicare (+ add Part D) | People already on a Medicare Advantage plan |
| General Enrollment (GEP) | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | Sign up for Part B if you missed your IEP (a late penalty may apply) | Missed your Initial Enrollment Period |
| Special Enrollment (SEP) | Year-round (event-triggered) | Change plans after a qualifying event: moving, losing coverage, becoming dual-eligible, or a Special Needs Plan | Anyone with a qualifying life event |
| ACA / Marketplace Open Enrollment | Nov 1 – Jan 15 | Enroll in or change a Marketplace health plan (enroll by Dec 15 for a Jan 1 start) | Under-65 buying their own health insurance |
| ACA Special Enrollment | Year-round (event-triggered) | Enroll after job loss, a move, marriage, a new baby, or other qualifying events | Under-65 with a qualifying event |
Missed a window? You may still have options
Special Enrollment Periods run year-round when you have a qualifying event (moving, losing coverage, marriage, a new baby). Special Needs Plans — including dual-eligible D-SNP for people with both Medicare and Medicaid — generally enroll year-round. And turning 65 opens your Initial Enrollment Period no matter the month. If you missed Part B entirely, the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31) is your fallback, though a late penalty may apply. We'll tell you exactly which window fits your situation — free.
Not sure which window applies to you?
Tell us your situation and we'll pinpoint your enrollment window and compare your options — no cost, no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I change my Medicare plan in 2026?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) is when anyone can switch Advantage or Part D plans for the next year. If you’re already on a Medicare Advantage plan, the Jan 1 – Mar 31 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment lets you make one more change. Outside those, you need a Special Enrollment Period (e.g., you moved or lost coverage).
What happens if I miss my Medicare enrollment window?
If you don’t have other creditable coverage and miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can owe a lifelong Part B late penalty (10% for each full 12 months you delay) plus a Part D penalty, and you may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31) to sign up.
Can I get health insurance outside open enrollment?
Yes, if you have a qualifying life event (losing other coverage, moving, marriage, a new baby), which opens a Special Enrollment Period. For Medicare, turning 65, moving, or losing employer coverage can open an SEP too. We can confirm whether you qualify for free.
Is it too late to fix my 2026 coverage?
Often no. Special Enrollment Periods run year-round for qualifying events, Special Needs Plans (like dual-eligible D-SNP) enroll year-round, and turning 65 opens your window any time of year. Tell us your situation and we’ll find the window that applies.