Updated for 2027 Open Enrollment
Compare health plans with confidence
Plain-English guides to HMOs vs PPOs, metal tiers, subsidies, HSAs and Medicare, with every number checked against official sources, plus a free calculator that shows what a plan really costs in a year.
Key dates
- Nov 1, 2026: 2027 Open Enrollment opens on HealthCare.gov
- Dec 7, 2026: Medicare Open Enrollment ends (started Oct 15)
- Dec 15, 2026: enroll by now for Marketplace coverage starting Jan 1
- Jan 15, 2027: HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment ends (Feb 1 start)
- Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2027: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
State Marketplaces may differ. Details and sources
Start with your situation
Buying your own plan for 2027
Open Enrollment starts November 1. Learn the dates, how subsidies changed and how to compare.
Lost your job or job-based coverage
You usually have 60 days to pick a Marketplace plan. Compare it with COBRA.
Turning 65
Medicare's 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, Medigap timing and penalties to avoid.
Self-employed or running a small business
Marketplace plans, SHOP, CHOICE Arrangements (ICHRA) and QSEHRAs.
Choosing between plans
Add premiums, deductibles and the out-of-pocket max to see the real yearly cost.
Wondering about an HSA
2027 HSA limits, and why Bronze plans now qualify.
Popular guides
HMO vs PPO vs EPO vs POS
What's the difference between HMO, PPO, EPO and POS health plans, and what is an HDHP? A side-by-side comparison of networks, referrals, out-of-network coverage and cost.
Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum?
How Marketplace metal tiers work: what Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans pay, why Silver matters for cost-sharing reductions, HSA rules, and how to pick a tier.
Premium tax credits (subsidies)
How the ACA premium tax credit works for 2027 coverage: the 100%–400% FPL income range, the benchmark Silver plan, required contribution percentages, the end of enhanced credits, and repaying advance credits.
ACA Marketplace basics
A plain-English guide to the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace: who can use it, what every plan covers, how premiums are set, pre-existing conditions, and where to get free help.
Catastrophic health plans
Catastrophic health insurance explained: eligibility (under 30 or a hardship/affordability exemption), what's covered, HSA compatibility since 2026, and when Bronze or Silver is a better deal.
Short-term health plans
What short-term, limited-duration health insurance covers and doesn't, the 2024 federal duration limits and the 2025 non-enforcement statement, state rules, and how it compares with ACA plans.
Special Enrollment Periods
Which life events qualify you for a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period, how long you have to act (usually 60 days), what doesn't qualify, and year-round options like Medicaid and CHIP.
Medicare basics
A plain-English comparison of Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap supplement policies and Part D drug coverage, with the key trade-offs and where to get free help.
Dental & vision coverage
How dental and vision coverage works: children's dental and vision in Marketplace plans, why adult dental is optional, stand-alone dental plans and waiting periods, discount plans, and what Medicare does and doesn't cover.
How PlanCost works
- Answer first. Every guide opens with a short, direct answer, then the details.
- Sourced and dated. We link figures to HealthCare.gov, Medicare.gov, CMS, the IRS, the Department of Labor and KFF, and show when each guide was last reviewed.
- No invented prices. Premiums depend on your ZIP code, age, household and income, so we never publish made-up quotes. Use the official Marketplace or a licensed agent for real prices.
- Transparent about money. Some links are paid referral links to licensed partners. They never change our explanations. Read our disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
When is Open Enrollment for 2027 health insurance?
On HealthCare.gov it runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. State Marketplaces can set different dates.
Is PlanCost an insurance company or a government website?
No. PlanCost is an independent educational website. We don't sell insurance and aren't affiliated with HealthCare.gov, CMS, Medicare or any government agency.
How should I compare health insurance plans?
Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus expected deductibles, copays and coinsurance, capped at the out-of-pocket maximum), plus the provider network and drug list. Our free calculator does the math for up to three plans.
Who can get help paying for Marketplace coverage in 2027?
Premium tax credits for 2027 coverage are generally available to eligible households with income from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level, about $15,960 to $63,840 for one person.