Published: June 23, 2026.
OEP is the open enrollment period for ACA individual and family Marketplace coverage. Outside OEP, most households need a qualifying life event and a special enrollment period to enroll or change plans.
Key Takeaways
- OEP is the open enrollment period for ACA individual and family Marketplace coverage. Outside OEP, most households need a qualifying life event and a special enrollment period to enroll or change plans.
- On the federal Marketplace, OEP typically runs from November 1 through January 15. Enrollments completed by December 15 generally start January 1. Enrollments in the second half of the window often start February 1.
- Some state based marketplaces extend OEP or use different end dates. Brokers should verify the exchange calendar for each state where they are appointed, not assume the federal schedule everywhere.
- OEP is the only time of year when healthy unsubsidized clients can enroll without a documented SEP trigger. That makes October and November the peak quoting months for individual ACA books.
On the federal Marketplace, OEP typically runs from November 1 through January 15. Enrollments completed by December 15 generally start January 1. Enrollments in the second half of the window often start February 1.
Some state based marketplaces extend OEP or use different end dates. Brokers should verify the exchange calendar for each state where they are appointed, not assume the federal schedule everywhere.
OEP is the only time of year when healthy unsubsidized clients can enroll without a documented SEP trigger. That makes October and November the peak quoting months for individual ACA books.
Related field notes
Related glossary terms
FAQ
Common broker questions about this term.
What happens if a client misses OEP?
They generally wait until the next OEP unless they experience a qualifying life event that opens a 60 day SEP or they qualify for Medicaid or CHIP year round.
Does OEP apply to employer plans?
No. This entry covers individual ACA Marketplace OEP. Employer sponsored plans have their own annual enrollment windows set by the employer.
Can brokers enroll clients on the last day of OEP?
Yes, if the application is submitted before the exchange deadline in the client's time zone. High volume on the final day creates technical risk, so agencies batch final enrollments earlier when possible.
