Open enrollment begins tomorrow for ACA Marketplace plans

Olympia, Wash. – Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans begins tomorrow, Nov. 1, for Washingtonians who do not get their health insurance through an employer, spouse or government program.  
 
For health and dental coverage that begins on Jan. 1, individuals must apply by Dec. 15. For those who apply by the end of open enrollment on Jan. 15, their plan will begin Feb. 1, 2026.

People who are self-employed, participants in the gig economy, small business employees, seasonal workers and those who do not yet qualify for Medicare can find medical and dental plans through Washington Healthplanfinder.  

Open enrollment and the status of federal enhanced premium tax credits have become a national issue, and Washington Healthplanfinder is a resource to help customers understand their options. 

“We know that some customers are concerned about rising prices and that the uncertain future of enhanced premium tax credits weighs heavily on peoples’ minds. Customers should come in and shop for health and dental insurance and see what plans are out there for them,” Washington Health Benefit Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey said; the Exchange runs Washington Healthplanfinder.

“We know that some might face some sticker shock, while others might be surprised to find plans that meet their needs at more affordable prices. Our Smart Planfinder tool helps customers find the highest value plans to fit their needs and pocketbook even with all of these federal changes and uncertainty.”

Find help in your community

Help is available to support customers through this process. Trusted resources are located in communities across the state to help Washingtonians find the best plan for them. 

Washington Healthplanfinder and its Customer Support Center are closed today (Friday, Oct. 31) for open enrollment readiness, but will be ready ready starting tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to welcome and support customers. 

Help is available to customers in more than 200 languages. Visit Washington Healthplanfinder to find support in your area. You can also find help by calling our Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633 (TTY/TDD:  1-855-627-9604). Customer support is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some exceptions.

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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.