Different enrollment types have different deadlines. ACA marketplace, employer plans, FEDVIP, and Medicare all run on separate schedules. Here's every date in one place, with when to set your reminder for each.
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The table below covers enrollment windows for both the current 2026 plan year and the upcoming 2027 plan year. If you missed the 2026 window, the 2027 dates are your next opportunity.
| Enrollment Type | Window | Coverage Starts | Set Reminder By |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACA Marketplace (2026) | Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 | Jan 1 or Feb 1, 2026 | Closed |
| ACA Marketplace (2027) | Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027 (expected) | Jan 1 or Feb 1, 2027 | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Employer plans | Varies (typically Oct – Nov) | Jan 1 of following year | 2 weeks before your window |
| FEDVIP (2026) | Nov 10 – Dec 8, 2025 | Jan 1, 2026 | Closed |
| FEDVIP (2027) | Nov – Dec 2026 (TBA by OPM) | Jan 1, 2027 | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Medicare (2026) | Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2025 | Jan 1, 2026 | Closed |
| Medicare (2027) | Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | Oct 1, 2026 |
The Affordable Care Act marketplace offers dental coverage as a standalone plan or bundled with health insurance. Open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15 each year. If you enroll by December 15, coverage starts January 1. Enrollments after December 15 start February 1.
For 2027 coverage, enrollment is expected to follow the same schedule: November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Plans, premiums, and provider networks can all change year to year, so reviewing your options during the window matters even if you're auto-renewing.
Most employers run their open enrollment in October or November, with coverage starting January 1. The exact window varies by company and is typically 2 to 4 weeks long. Your HR department or benefits portal will have the specific dates.
Unlike marketplace enrollment, employer enrollment windows can be as short as two weeks. One common pattern: HR sends a single email, the deadline passes while you're busy, and you're locked into whatever you had before. Setting a personal reminder takes employer enrollment out of the "I'll get to it" pile.
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) enrollment happens during the Federal Benefits Open Season. For the 2026 plan year, open season ran November 10 to December 8, 2025. The 2027 open season dates will be announced by OPM in fall 2026, typically following the same mid-November to early December pattern.
FEDVIP plans don't require re-enrollment if you want to keep your current plan. But premiums and plan offerings change annually. The 2026 plan year saw several premium increases and network changes, according to OPM plan comparison data.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care. Dental coverage comes through Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) or standalone dental plans. The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 each year, with changes taking effect January 1.
If you want dental coverage through Medicare Advantage, this is your annual window to join, switch, or drop a plan. Outside this period, changes are only possible during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31), but options are more limited.
Knowing the dates is half the equation. The other half is acting on them before the window closes. A dental insurance enrollment reminder set two weeks before your specific deadline gives you time to review your enrollment checklist, compare plans, and enroll without last-day pressure.
For ACA marketplace plans, open enrollment for the 2026 plan year ran from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026. For 2027 coverage, open enrollment is expected to run November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Employer enrollment periods vary but typically fall in October or November.
The Federal Benefits Open Season for the 2026 plan year ran November 10 to December 8, 2025. For 2027 coverage, expect similar dates in November to December 2026. OPM announces exact dates each fall.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 each year. During this window, you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental coverage. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
Through an employer or the marketplace, only with a qualifying life event (marriage, new baby, job loss). Individual dental plans from private insurers can often be purchased year-round but may have waiting periods for major procedures. See our guide on what happens if you miss enrollment.
Set a reminder for at least two weeks before your enrollment window opens. That gives you time to review plan options, confirm your dentist is in-network, and compare premiums without rushing on the last day.
Pick the enrollment date that applies to you. Get notified before the window closes. Free, no account needed.
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