Health Insurance Open Enrollment in Fort Worth: Nov 1 – Jan 15
Open enrollment on HealthCare.gov runs November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. This is the one time of year almost anyone in Fort Worth without job-based coverage can sign up for a health plan — and most people who apply qualify for financial help that lowers the monthly premium.
The two dates that matter
- Enroll by December 15, 2025 → your coverage starts January 1, 2026.
- Enroll December 16 – January 15 → your coverage starts February 1, 2026.
Miss January 15 and you generally wait until next year, unless you have a qualifying life change (lost coverage, moved, married, had a baby).
Before you assume the price
The extra savings added a few years ago are scheduled to end after 2025 unless Congress extends them, so 2026 prices may look different from last year. Do not guess — check your real 2026 price with your actual income and household. Many Tarrant County families still qualify for help, and some plans stay low-cost even without the extra savings.
Check the free local option first
If your income is on the lower side, check JPS Connection before you buy anything: it is Tarrant County’s own coverage program for residents who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, and members pay low set amounts for doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. Call 817-702-1001. One caution from our checker: if you qualify for a Marketplace plan with financial help, you may not qualify for JPS Connection — the call takes a few minutes and settles it.
How to enroll
- Online: HealthCare.gov
- By phone: 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except holidays, with help in many languages.
- Free local help finding a plan: use the “Find local help” tool on HealthCare.gov.
Medicaid and CHIP are different: you can apply for those any time of year, and if you qualify, coverage can start right away.
Not sure which route fits your family? Take the free 2-minute check and we will match you to every program you may qualify for — health coverage and everything else: Check what you qualify for. You can also browse all 156 verified Fort Worth programs.
