open enrollment

noun

1. open admissions.

2. enrollment at a public school of choice rather than compulsory assignment to a particular school because of where one lives.

Word History and Origins

Origin of open enrollment¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

What’s Next: Lawmakers face their next critical date on the shutdown on Nov. 1, the start of open enrollment in most states for health plans offered under the Affordable Care Act.

Read more on Barron's

As open enrollment approaches, a variety of factors — including pricey GLP-1 weight-loss drugs — are poised to push already expensive premiums for employer-sponsored healthcare even higher in 2026, a new report says.

Read more on MarketWatch

Wednesday’s report came ahead of the start of open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans.

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The next significant inflection point may come on November 1, the start of open enrollment for health insurance.

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A one-year renewal—pushing the issue past the 2026 midterms—would buy another year of stability for insurers, though the potential impact on soaring premiums for 2026 is unclear given that open enrollment starts on Nov. 1.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal