Open enrollment for 2026 health and dental insurance begins Nov. 1

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The time for Washingtonians to sign up for health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder is almost here. Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, during which time Washington residents can shop, compare and sign up for plans. 

Things to remember:

• Open enrollment: Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026 
• Reminder: Enroll by Dec. 15, 2025, to begin coverage Jan. 1, 2026 
• Visit: wahealthplanfinder.org to preview plans now through Oct. 30 

During open enrollment, all Washingtonians who do not get their health insurance through an employer, spouse or government program can visit Washington Healthplanfinder to shop, compare and purchase health and dental plans for next year. 

Starting today, Washington residents can preview plans they will be able to sign up for through Washington Healthplanfinder beginning Nov. 1. To finalize preparations for open enrollment, Washington Healthplanfinder’s website and Customer Support Center will be closed Oct. 31. 

“Due to federal changes, there is more confusion about health insurance this year. There are a lot of options for help and support through Washington Healthplanfinder, our customer support center and brokers, navigators and community partners,” Washington Health Benefit Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey said. “Customers should explore plans, shop around and seek help from trusted resources in their community to learn what federal and state premium assistance is available to them for 2026.     

“Some of our customers will see significant premium increases due to the scheduled expiration of the federal enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025. However, others might be surprised to learn they can retain their same coverage at similar or lower cost. If Congress takes action to extend the tax credits, we are committed to delivering that relief to our customers as quickly as possible.” 

2026 plan offerings 

Washingtonians are encouraged to visit wahealthplanfinder.org to preview plan offerings for 2026. Choices include 86 qualified health plans and nine qualified dental plans.  

Existing customers will be automatically renewed, and all customers are encouraged to shop and compare plans. Even with federal changes, most customers will still benefit from savings. This year, Cascade Care Vital Gold plans will provide the best value for many. 

Tips for customers

Navigating health insurance options can be complicated. In addition to online shopping at wahealthplanfinder.org, customers can call the Exchange Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633 (TTY: 1-855-627-9604) for remote support in multiple languages or connect with a trusted resource in their community by visiting Support in Your Area to find a nearby in-person assister.  

Washington Healthplanfinder’s Customer Support Center has extended hours during open enrollment. The center will be open and ready to help customers from 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed on most weekends and holidays. The following adjustments were made to the center’s schedule; extended hours are in Pacific time and are subject to change:  

• Friday, Oct. 31: Closed
• Saturday, Nov. 1: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 26: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Native American Heritage Day/Thanksgiving, Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27–28: Closed
• Saturday, Dec. 13: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 15: 7:30 a.m. to midnight
• Wednesday, Dec. 24: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25: Closed
• Wednesday, Dec. 31: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1: Closed
• Thursday, Jan. 15: 7:30 a.m. to midnight
• Monday, Jan. 19: Closed 

# # #

About Washington Healthplanfinder^TM

Washington Healthplanfinder^TM is an online marketplace for individuals and families in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage and gain access to tax credits, reduced cost sharing and public programs such as Medicaid. Next open enrollment for Washington Healthplanfinder beings Nov. 1, 2025. Enrollment reports and data are available from Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

About Washington Apple Health

In Washington, Apple Health (also known as Medicaid) is available to residents based on income, family size, age, and other factors. Coverage for adults, parents/caretakers, children, and pregnant individuals is managed through Washington Healthplanfinder. Apple Health coverage includes preventive care, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, dental, vision, and many other services. Learn more at hca.wa.gov/apple-health.