---
title: Can I enroll right now?
url: https://www.tnhealthcoverageexplained.org/tools/enrollment-checker
description: Check whether you can buy health insurance in Tennessee today: open enrollment, special enrollment deadlines, TennCare, CoverKids, and Medicare windows.
last_verified: 2026-10-17
publisher: TN Health Coverage Explained (independent; does not sell insurance)
---

# Can I enroll right now?

Pick a date and tell us what's happening. You'll see which doors are open: marketplace open enrollment, a special enrollment period, Medicare, or the year-round options. You'll also see your deadline and when coverage would start.

_(Interactive tool; open the web page to use it.)_

## The windows, in brief

- **Marketplace open enrollment:** November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1; enrollments from December 16 to January 15 start February 1.
- **Special enrollment:** usually 60 days after a qualifying life event. For losing coverage, aging off a parent's plan, or moving, you can also enroll up to 60 days *before* the event.
- **TennCare and CoverKids:** year-round.
- **Medicare:** a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday, plus the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) for changing plans.

[The full enrollment calendar](https://www.tnhealthcoverageexplained.org/enrollment-calendar)

## Frequently asked questions

**Is getting pregnant a qualifying event?**
Not for the federal marketplace. The birth is. But pregnant women may qualify for TennCare or CoverKids up to 250% of the poverty level, and those enroll year-round.

**Does quitting my job count as losing coverage?**
Yes. Losing job-based coverage is a qualifying event whether you quit, were laid off, or had hours cut. Voluntarily dropping a marketplace plan, or losing coverage because you didn't pay premiums, does not count.

**I'm on COBRA. Can I switch to the marketplace?**
During open enrollment, yes. Mid-year, voluntarily ending COBRA doesn't open a special enrollment period, but COBRA running out does. [COBRA and continuation](https://www.tnhealthcoverageexplained.org/cobra-and-continuation).

**What if I missed my 60-day window?**
Check TennCare and CoverKids, which take applications any day. Otherwise you may need to wait for open enrollment. If something outside your control kept you from enrolling, call HealthCare.gov at 1-800-318-2596 and ask about an exceptional circumstances special enrollment period.

## Sources

- HealthCare.gov — open enrollment dates and special enrollment period rules
- CMS statement on City of Columbus v. Kennedy (July 31, 2026) — 2027 open enrollment window confirmed
- Medicare.gov — Initial Enrollment Period and Annual Enrollment Period
- TennCare / tn.gov — year-round TennCare and CoverKids applications