2027 Open Enrollment: dates, deadlines and what to check
For states that use HealthCare.gov, Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll or change plans by December 15, 2026 for coverage starting January 1, 2027; enroll December 16 to January 15 and coverage starts February 1. States that run their own Marketplace can set different deadlines. After January 15 you need a Special Enrollment Period.
Key dates (HealthCare.gov states)
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment starts. First day to enroll in, renew or change a Marketplace plan for 2027. |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. |
| January 1, 2027 | Coverage starts for people who enrolled by December 15 and paid their first premium. |
| January 15, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends. After this, you can only enroll or change plans with a Special Enrollment Period. |
| February 1, 2027 | Coverage starts for people who enrolled December 16 – January 15 and paid their first premium. |
Source: HealthCare.gov, dates and deadlines, last reviewed October 28, 2026. State-based Marketplaces may have different start dates and deadlines; check your state's official site.
Why you should actively shop this year
- Premiums are rising again. KFF's analysis of insurer filings found a median proposed increase of 15% for 2027, the second year in a row of double-digit proposed increases.
- Insurers are changing. KFF is tracking insurers leaving and entering Marketplaces for 2027, so your current plan or network may not be available.
- Subsidy rules changed after 2025. The temporary enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. For 2027, credits are available only between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. See premium tax credits.
- Your savings are based on your new-year income estimate. Update your application with expected 2027 income and household changes.
Open Enrollment checklist
- Read your insurer's renewal notice: new premium, deductible, network and drug list
- Update your Marketplace application with your expected 2027 income and household
- Confirm your doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are still in network
- Check that your prescriptions are on the new plan's drug list
- Compare at least one plan from each metal tier using our total cost calculator
- Choose and pay your first premium by December 15 if you want coverage on January 1
Don't confuse it with Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare's Open Enrollment Period is different: October 15 – December 7 each year. Medicare plans aren't sold on the Marketplace. See Medicare enrollment periods.
Frequently asked questions
When does Open Enrollment for 2027 start and end?
In states that use HealthCare.gov, it runs from November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. States with their own Marketplace may have different dates.
What's the deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2027?
December 15, 2026 in HealthCare.gov states, and you must pay your first premium.
What if I enroll after December 15?
If you enroll from December 16, 2026 through January 15, 2027, coverage generally starts February 1, 2027.
Can I enroll after January 15, 2027?
Only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, for example after losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications all year.
Is Medicare Open Enrollment the same?
No. Medicare's Open Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 each year, and Medicare plans are not sold through the Marketplace.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov: When can you get health insurance? (dates and deadlines) (accessed October 28, 2026)
- KFF: How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2027 (accessed October 28, 2026)
- KFF: Tracking Insurer Participation Changes in the ACA Marketplaces in 2027 (accessed October 28, 2026)
- KFF: Explaining Health Care Reform: Questions About Health Insurance Subsidies (accessed October 28, 2026)
- Medicare.gov: Joining a plan (enrollment periods) (accessed October 28, 2026)