Open enrollment period (OEP) is the time each year when you can sign up for, renew, or make changes to your individual or family health insurance plan. Missing the deadlines can mean waiting another year to sign up unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. Because dates vary by state, it’s important to know exactly when you need to act.
This guide outlines the Open Enrollment dates for individual and family health insurance in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Colorado and what those deadlines mean for your coverage.
Why open enrollment deadlines matter
Open Enrollment is your one guaranteed chance each year to get or change health coverage. If you miss the deadline, you’ll usually have to stay with your current plan until next year unless something major in your life changes and you qualify for the special enrollment options.
Colorado open enrollment timeline
For 2026 coverage, Colorado residents have from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026 to sign up for a health insurance plan.
Dates: November 1, 2025–January 15, 2026
Coverage starts:
- January 1, 2026, if you enroll by December 15, 2025
- February 1, 2026, if you enroll December 16, 2025–January 15, 2026
Colorado residents use the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace for enrollment.
Idaho open enrollment timeline
Idaho Open Enrollment dates are different from many other states. Those looking for a new insurance plan in Idaho or who want to make changes have from October 15 to December 15, 2025 to do so.
Dates: October 15–December 15, 2025
Coverage starts: January 1, 2026
Idaho Marketplace plans go through Your Health Idaho.
Nevada open enrollment timeline
Nevadans can sign up for a new plan or make changes to their existing plan from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026.
Dates: November 1, 2025–January 15, 2026
Coverage starts:
- January 1, 2026, if you enroll by December 31, 2025
- February 1, 2026, if you enroll January 1–15, 2026
Nevada residents can enroll through Nevada Health Link.
Utah open enrollment timeline
For 2026 coverage, Utahns have from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026 to sign up for a health insurance plan.
Dates: November 1, 2025–January 15, 2026
Coverage starts:
- January 1, 2026, if you enroll by December 15, 2025
- February 1, 2026, if you enroll December 16, 2025–January 15, 2026
Utah residents signing up for health insurance outside of their employer can shop through Marketplace.
What if you miss open enrollment?
If you don’t enroll by your state’s deadline, you’ll need a special enrollment period (SEP) to make changes. SEPs are reserved for people who have recently had a significant life change. Qualifying life events may include:
- Getting married
- Getting divorced and losing health insurance as a result
- Giving birth or adopting a baby
- A death in the family that results in a loss of health insurance coverage
- Loss of employer-sponsored coverage
- Loss of Medicaid or CHIP eligibility
- Moving to a new ZIP code or state
- Turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan
Without one of these events, you’ll have to wait until the next open enrollment season.
How special enrollment periods work
Watch the video below to learn how special enrollment periods may be a way to get health insurance outside of open enrollment.
How to stay on track
The easiest way to avoid stress during open enrollment is to plan ahead. A little preparation now can save time and money later. Here are some ways you can make the most out of open enrollment:
- Write your state’s open enrollment deadlines on a calendar or set a phone reminder.
- Look back at your healthcare costs from last year and consider what might change in the year ahead.
- Collect paperwork like tax forms and income information before enrollment starts.
- Look at plan options early so you have plenty of time to decide.
For step-by-step advice on choosing the right plan, see our Navigating Open Enrollment guide.
Select Health: Your health insurance partner
Finding the right health insurance plan can seem overwhelming. At Select Health, we aim to make health insurance simple.
Browse Select Health’s plans online to review health plan options for the upcoming year. For personalized help with finding a new plan, call 800-442-3125 (toll-free) to speak with an agent who can help you find the right fit for your needs.
Frequently asked questions about open enrollment timelines
Open enrollment for most states runs from November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026. Idaho starts earlier, on October 15, 2025, and ends on December 15, 2025.
If you enroll by mid-December, coverage usually starts January 1, 2026. If you wait until the later deadlines in January, your coverage typically begins February 1, 2026.
You can only enroll if you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP), triggered by a major life event like marriage, having a baby, moving, or losing other coverage.
Yes. Utah, Colorado, and Nevada follow the federal schedule, while Idaho sets earlier deadlines. Always confirm your state’s timeline.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.
The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, this information does not guarantee benefits. To review your benefits, please reference your plan materials or call Member Services at 800-538-5038 weekdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711.
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