When is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance?

Open enrollment is a window of time when you can sign up for health insurance, make changes to your current plan or cancel your plan altogether. Open enrollment periods happen once a year and usually start in the fall.

As you’re shopping for coverage, get to know the open enrollment dates for different types of health insurance plans. When you’re ready to enroll, we’re ready to help.

Individual & Family Plans

Shop for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans, commonly known as Obamacare, if you’re self-employed, don’t get health insurance through an employer or Medicare, or if you’re looking for a new plan after losing Medicaid coverage.

In North Dakota and South Dakota, open enrollment is November 1 through January 16.

Explore Your Plan Options

Medicare Advantage Plans

If you’re age 65 or older, or qualify for Medicare, explore Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C. Align powered by Sanford Health Plan is an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan option that includes Medicare Parts A and B plus extra benefits to care for the whole you.

Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans have an Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for new Medicare members. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is October 15 through December 7.

Learn More About Medicare Advantage

Employer Plans for Small and Large Businesses

Looking for the right health insurance for your employees? Our employer plans integrate coverage, care and service. We provide simple, affordable health coverage solutions for both small and large employers throughout all of North Dakota and South Dakota, and in select counties in Iowa and Minnesota.

After purchasing an employer health plan, your business sets the open enrollment period.

Find the Right Coverage

Losing Medicaid Coverage? You Have Options

If you’re no longer eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), explore coverage options for you and your family through the Health Insurance Marketplace. We can help you find free or low-cost health insurance options.

Losing Medicaid coverage is considered a qualifying life event for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You have 60 days from the qualifying life event to enroll in a new health insurance option. If you don’t enroll, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period begins.

Featured Member Testimonial

"The service, care, and contact was outstanding. We are all amazed how staff at Sanford Health Plan stepped up in our time of need and distress."
-- Member of Sanford Health Plan

More Resources

Missed Open Enrollment? Learn about Special Enrollment Periods

There are certain times when you can purchase or change your health insurance plan outside of open enrollment. Learn more about Special Enrollment Periods.

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When can I enroll in Medicare? Enrollment periods explained

Enrolling in Medicare is limited to certain times of year and conditions, including your age. View a breakdown of each enrollment period.

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Five things to consider when shopping for health insurance

As you start shopping for health insurance, keep these five things in mind to help you find the best, most affordable plan for your needs.

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