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Life Guide U.S. essentials
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Written by this site from official U.S. sources

Enroll in health coverage during Open Enrollment, or within 60 days after losing job-based coverage, so you don't go uninsured

  • Moderate value
  • Evidence A
  • Saves money
  • Costs a lot
  • Takes some hours
  • No willpower

In plain words

Outside your job, the main ways to get covered are the HealthCare.gov Marketplace, Medicaid and CHIP. Marketplace Open Enrollment starts November 1. Sign up by December 15 for coverage from January 1. It ends January 15. If you lose job-based coverage, including COBRA, you usually get a Special Enrollment Period of 60 days. If you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you can apply now instead of waiting.

Cost

Premiums are an ongoing monthly cost, which can be lower with financial help through the Marketplace. Applying takes an hour or two.

What you get

HealthCare.gov: "November 1: Open Enrollment starts". "December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1." "January 15: Open Enrollment ends." The page as checked said you can apply for 2027 coverage starting November 1. Special Enrollment Period: you may qualify if you or anyone in your household "lost qualifying health coverage in the past 60 days OR expects to lose coverage in the next 60 days." If you lost Medicaid or CHIP, the window is 90 days. Losing coverage through your employer, COBRA or a family member's employer plan counts. COBRA is "a federal law that lets you and your family continue your employer-sponsored group health insurance for a limited time after a qualifying life event, like losing your job". "When your COBRA coverage ends, you have 60 days to enroll in a Marketplace health plan." Leaving COBRA early may or may not qualify you, depending on why. Getting married also gives a 60-day window. Medicaid and CHIP give free or low-cost coverage to eligible low-income people and children, and you can "get health coverage now if you qualify" for them.

Notes

The dates are for HealthCare.gov. If your state runs its own Marketplace website, check its dates there. Dates can change from year to year, so confirm on HealthCare.gov before you rely on them. Don't let the 60-day window pass after a job loss: compare COBRA with a Marketplace plan right away. Medicaid rules differ by state.

Evidence grade
A: Specific numbers from meta-analyses, large cohorts or randomized trials; for law and policy, the statute or official text.
Sources
  1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HealthCare.gov. Dates and deadlines. https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/ （核对的是 web.archive.org 2026年9月29日的存档）
  2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HealthCare.gov. Special Enrollment Period. https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-enrollment-period/ （核对的是 web.archive.org 2026年10月9日的存档）

Sources checked 2026-10-12

Replaces in the original

Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you.