Open enrollment and special enrollment
When you can join a marketplace plan, and the life events that let you join outside those dates.
In plain words
Most people can join or change a marketplace plan during open enrollment, a set window each year. Your state’s marketplace publishes the dates.
Outside that window, a special enrollment period can open after a life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. There is a time limit after the event, so act soon.
Medicaid and CHIP have no enrollment window: you can apply at any time.