If you’ve ever shopped for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you know that one of the most important details to keep in mind is when you can actually sign up. Unlike car insurance or other types of coverage, ACA health plans can’t be purchased at any time during the year. Instead, the government has created a very specific enrollment window, and if you miss this window, you could be left waiting months before your next chance to apply.
At MBhealth Insurance Agency, we help families and individuals all across Missouri, Illinois, and beyond to navigate this timeline every year. For many of our clients, understanding the enrollment periods is the first step toward securing affordable health coverage that fits their needs. Whether you’re renewing your current plan or shopping for something new, here’s what you need to know about when you can sign up for ACA insurance.
ACA Open Enrollment Period: November 1 – January 15
The main window for enrolling in an ACA Marketplace health plan is called Open Enrollment. This period runs each year from November 1 through January 15. If you’ve had ACA coverage before, this is when you can renew your plan or switch to a new one. If you’ve never had ACA coverage, this is the time to apply.
Think of Open Enrollment like a limited-time opportunity. Just as students have to register for classes during certain weeks, you have to register for health coverage during this window. Outside of Open Enrollment, most people won’t have access to ACA plans unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which is mentioned below.
Why the ACA Open Enrollment Dates Matter
Missing the Open Enrollment deadline can have real consequences. If you don’t take action between November 1 and January 15, you may have to wait until the following year before you can apply again. That could mean months without coverage—something that could be stressful and financially risky if an unexpected health issue arises.
Plans, premiums, and networks also change from year to year. Just because your 2025 plan worked well doesn’t guarantee that the 2026 version will have the same doctors in-network or the same costs. By reviewing your plan during Open Enrollment, you give yourself the chance to compare options and make sure you’re still getting the best value.
At MBhealth, we encourage clients to use this time to check their coverage carefully. Even if you think your plan will renew automatically, it’s always best to review updates and confirm that it still fits your needs.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Coverage for Life Changes
What if you miss the Open Enrollment window? Or what if something changes in your life mid-year that affects your insurance needs? That’s where Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) come in.
SEPs are created by certain qualifying life events. These events create a short window outside of Open Enrollment when you can apply for or change your ACA plan. Some of the most common qualifying events include:
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county
- Losing other health coverage (such as employer coverage, COBRA, or Medicaid)
- Turning 26 and aging off your parents’ plan
In many situations, you get a 60-day window to sign up once the event occurs. That means if you had a baby on June 1, you would have until the end of July to apply for coverage.
SEPs are a safeguard for life’s changes. They ensure you’re not locked out of coverage when something significant shifts in your world, but the key is knowing the rules and acting quickly once your window opens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During ACA Enrollment
ACA enrollment can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to miss small details that make a big difference. Here are a few things we often see:
- Missing the deadline. Forgetting the January 15 cutoff could mean waiting months for coverage.
- Letting a plan renew without review. Networks and costs can change each year, so it’s smart to double-check.
- Failing to update income. Your eligibility for premium tax credits depends on income, so changes should always be reported.
- Overlooking provider networks. Choosing a plan that doesn’t include your doctors can create unwanted surprises later.
- Forgetting household changes. Marriage, divorce, or a child turning 26 can all affect coverage needs.
With the right guidance, these are easy to avoid — and MBhealth is here to help you every step of the way.
Staying Prepared for ACA Open Enrollment
If Open Enrollment is coming up, there are a few steps you can take now to prepare:
- Gather financial information. Premium tax credits are based on income, so you’ll need to know your current numbers.
- Make a list of providers you want to keep. Knowing which doctors and hospitals matter most will help when comparing networks.
- Think about your household. Marriage, dependents, or adult children turning 26 can all affect your coverage choices.
- Schedule a consultation. Sitting down with an agent ensures you don’t miss important details or deadlines.
Being proactive not only helps you avoid gaps in coverage, but it also saves you money by making sure you take advantage of applicable tax credits and subsidies.
Get Help Meeting Every Deadline
At MBhealth Insurance Agency, we know the ACA enrollment calendar inside and out. Every year, we help clients review their options, compare plans, and choose coverage that fits both their health needs and their budget.
These deadlines don’t have to feel overwhelming. With our guidance, you’ll know exactly when to act and what steps to take. Whether it’s November 1 or the middle of a Special Enrollment Period, we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish.
Call MBhealth Insurance Agency today at (314) 794-7977 or reach out through our website. We’re here to answer your questions, simplify your choices, and make sure you never miss a critical ACA enrollment date.
