Health insurance open enrollment is here. This is your once-a-year opportunity to choose a new plan, update your coverage, or stick with your current plan for 2026. Whether you are just starting medical school or preparing for residency, having the right coverage matters.
What Is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment is the annual period when you can:
- Enroll in a new health insurance plan
- Renew or change your current plan
- Apply for subsidies or Medicaid if eligible
Outside of this window, you can only make changes if you qualify for a special enrollment period due to a major life event.
Why This Matters to You
Open Enrollment lets you reassess your health insurance plan if your health needs, living situation, family circumstances, or your travel plans have changed. By taking action now, you can ensure that you and your dependents (if applicable) are covered for medical care, including emergencies, routine care, and prescriptions, in 2026.
*MS2 students: this is particularly important to you because of your upcoming clerkship travel. Please note that NOW is the time to register for next year’s plan. You cannot change your health insurance plan in April when clerkships begin.
Where Do You Enroll?
Depending on your state of residence, you will use either a state exchange or the federal exchange:
- Idaho: Use your state’s health insurance exchange – YourHealthIdaho.org
- Washington: Use your state’s health insurance exchange – WAHealthplanfinder.org
- Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming: Use the federal exchange at healthcare.gov
Important Dates
- Idaho: October 15 – December 15
- Alaska, Montana, Washington, Wyoming: November 1 – January 15*
- If you want coverage beginning January 1, you must enroll by December 15
What You Can Do Now
- Review your current health insurance coverage – what will your plan cover in 2026? What will it not cover? What will the costs be for 2026?
- Think about your travel plans and clinical rotations for the coming year – does your plan cover providers in multiple states?
- Preview plans and pricing at healthcare.gov or your state’s exchange
- Visit the UWSOM health insurance website for additional student-specific links
Disclaimer
By law, the UW School of Medicine cannot recommend specific health insurance plans. For personalized advice, contact a certified health insurance navigator or broker through your respective state or federal exchange.