The 2025 health insurance enrollment period in the United States has officially begun, and with it comes a key opportunity for millions of people: reviewing, renewing or changing their plan before it’s too late.
This year, the enrollment window runs from November 1 to December 15, 2025, and it’s important to take action now because after that date, you can only make changes if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
If you don’t review your coverage during this time, you could end up paying more for the same plan, losing benefits or even being left without health insurance at the start of the year.
What is the health insurance enrollment period?
The open enrollment period is the only annual window when you can:
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Enroll in a new health plan
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Renew your current coverage
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Change plans based on your needs or budget
During these weeks, you can visit the official health insurance marketplaces (HealthCare.gov or your state exchange) to compare options and check whether you qualify for subsidies or tax credits that can reduce your monthly costs.
Key dates for the 2025 enrollment period
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of the enrollment period | 🗓 November 1, 2025 |
| Application deadline | ⏰ December 15, 2025 |
| Start date for new coverage | 📅 January 1, 2026 |
⛔ Important: After December 15, you can only enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), for example, if you lose your job or move to another state.
Why this enrollment period is so important
Every year, health plans change their prices, coverage and provider networks.
If you don’t review your plan, you might find out in January that your doctor is no longer in network, or that your monthly premium increased.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), average premiums increased between 6% and 9% in 2025 in many states. Some plans also modified deductibles and key benefits such as prescription drugs or preventive services.
In short, not reviewing your plan this month can cost you money and peace of mind.
What can happen if you don’t take advantage of the enrollment period
Doing nothing is not an option. Here are the most common consequences:
1. You could end up without health insurance
If you don’t renew or choose a new plan, your coverage may end on December 31, 2025, leaving you without protection for emergencies or essential medical care.
2. Your plan may auto-renew (and cost you more)
Automatic renewals seem convenient, but they often come with higher premiums, increased deductibles or reduced benefits without prior notice.
For example, a plan that cost 410 dollars per month in 2024 could increase to 465 dollars or more in 2025 with reduced coverage.
3. You could lose subsidies
Subsidies are based on your current income.
If you don’t update your information, you may lose your tax credits and end up paying the full cost of your insurance, significantly increasing your monthly expenses.
4. Changes in your doctor network or medications
Some insurers modify their provider networks or drug formularies.
If you don’t review these details, you may discover that your doctor or prescriptions are no longer covered.
Automatic renewals: why they’re not always a good idea
An automatic renewal means that if you don’t make changes, your insurer will renew your current plan.
While it may sound convenient, it can work against you.
Here’s why:
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Your monthly premium may increase without notice.
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Your plan may change its coverage (for example, no longer including certain hospitals).
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You may lose subsidies if your income changed.
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In some cases, your current plan may no longer exist, and you could be switched to a similar plan… but more expensive.
✅ Tip: Always review the “renewal notices” your insurer sends by mail or email. There you’ll see any changes in price or benefits for the upcoming year.
Key tips to make the most of the enrollment period
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✅ Don’t wait until the last minute. The website can become overloaded in the final days.
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💬 Check your eligibility for subsidies. You could save hundreds of dollars per month.
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🏥 Make sure your doctor is still in network.
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💸 Compare plans, even if you’re satisfied with yours. You may find a cheaper option or better coverage.
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📅 Save your enrollment confirmation. It’s your proof that your coverage starts on January 1.
Frequently asked questions about the 2025 enrollment period
1. When does the health insurance enrollment period end?
December 15, 2025. After that, you can only enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
2. What happens if I don’t take action?
Your current plan may auto-renew, but with changes in price or coverage. It’s best to review it before the deadline.
3. Can I change plans after December 15?
Only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to reasons such as loss of coverage or relocation.
4. When does my coverage start?
If you enroll before December 15, your new coverage begins on January 1, 2026.
5. Can I keep the same plan as last year?
Yes, but we recommend reviewing changes in price and benefits, as many insurers make annual adjustments.
The 2025 health insurance enrollment period is your opportunity to ensure you have the right and most affordable coverage for next year. Review your options, compare plans and avoid being left without insurance or overpaying due to an automatic renewal.
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